Celebrating Our First-Ever Staff Awards!

Celebrating Our First-Ever Staff Awards!

Last week, we held our very first Staff Awards here at the Grassmarket Community Project — and what a special evening it was! We’re incredibly proud of the brilliant team we have, and we wanted to take a moment to shine a spotlight on those who go above and beyond every day.

Team members were invited to submit nominations, focusing on quality over quantity — and wow, did they deliver! The stories and praise shared were heartfelt, thoughtful, and truly inspiring.

We’re delighted to announce our two very worthy winners: Alisha and Usman! Both were a little shocked, a little embarrassed, and deeply touched by what their colleagues had to say. Here’s a little more about why they stood out:

 

 Alisha

Alisha joined us in February this year and has been a standout presence across our Coffee Saints cafes and events. Sadly, she’ll be heading back to New Zealand at the end of July — and she will be greatly missed.

Her colleagues had so many lovely things to say:

Since starting at the project, Alisha has been EXCEPTIONAL! Her work ethic is unquestionable, she’s always willing to help out at any given time, she uses her initiative and constantly works hard to ensure the work area is clean and presentable, and the customers are given a warm welcome. She did an amazing job when she stepped in to help in the kitchen producing food that that was up there in the quality of the chefs. When it wasn’t busy she then set about really cleaning the kitchen down until it was sparkling. Alisha is amazing as she won’t hide away from the dirty jobs no one wants to do, and instead will crack on with anything she sees that makes our Cafes more welcoming for our customers and a better place for us to work.

She’s always smiling, never complains, nothing is ever too much trouble. She is always happy to help any of the team who may be struggling in their work and doesn’t wait to be asked. She demonstrates maturity and compassion at all times and is very supportive to her colleagues and line managers. She is a true ambassador for the project and in my many years working in hospitality she is one of the best I’ve worked with!

“Just like Mary Poppins — she’s practically perfect in every way!”

Alisha was overwhelmed by the recognition and shared:

“I really appreciated hearing your kind words during the staff awards yesterday — it truly meant more to me than you will ever know!”

 

 Usman

Usman has been with us since April 2022 as a Project Worker and has grown into a key pillar of support for our members.

His colleagues shared glowing praise:

“Alongside all of his own work, Usman has been a tremendous support with our corporate volunteer days, and our individual volunteers. He has made them all feel so welcome and supported. He takes so much time to engage with members and is kind, but firm, whenever they are playing up!

For stepping up and taking responsibility for comms. Since his involvement in comms and social media, Usman has had a new lease of life, he’s engaged and motivated and really taken ownership of this area. It’s great to see him excited about where he could take this area of work and he deserves a pat on the back! Not only this, he is taking on so many new aspects of the members team work, offering ideas, coming up with and implementing new ideas, and is taking the initiative to offer solutions, ideas, feedback and thoughts off his own accord, all to help us to succeed.”

Usman was thrilled and said:

“What a great surprise! It means a lot to know that the team took the time to recognise me. I’m lucky to work alongside such talented and supportive people — thank you!”

We couldn’t be prouder of Alisha and Usman — and indeed of our entire team here at the Grassmarket Community Project. Every single team member brings something special to what we do, but we think you’ll agree that Alisha and Usman sparkle just a little bit more.

Here’s to continuing to celebrate the incredible people who make our project so impactful!