Individuals and organisations who provide support for refugees, a safe place for children to play and care for the disabled were among those who had their chance to shine in the spotlight.

At the second Community Champion Awards of 2014, at Pollok Community Centre, those who make a difference in their area received well-deserved recognition and made the south proud.

"Glasgow was made by people coming together," said Lord Provost Sadie Docherty to a packed crowd.

"We should all be proud of the collective contributions that are made by these people who all make a difference to our lives."

Among the finalists for the Team Award was the Daisy Chain Early Years Project, providing play activities for families with children under the age of eight in the Govanhill area.

"It is really lovely to be here," said service manager Liann Weir.

"We look around and see all the other local organisations we really respect and admire. We are so pleased to be among them.

"Getting as far as the finals in the Community Champion Awards is a real boost for everyone involved in the group."

Other finalists for the Team Award included Aberlour Youthpoint Glasgow, which has been working with young people in Greater Pollok for the past 10 years.

Working with disengaged young people, it has managed to tackle issues such as sectarianism, racism and gang culture.

The Saturday Cafe and Associated Clubs provides support and respite care to more than 75 families with children and young people.

The group offers a safe place to play and make friends, as well as a school holiday service to bring families together.

The evening, hosted by Evening Times' columnist Michelle McManus, started with entertainment from young local singer Jasmine McFadyen.

Finalist Mohammed Ibrahim said: "It feels amazing to be nominated for the Individual Award."

His story shines a light on how young people can find a path to a strong, positive future.

Nearly 10 years ago he fell in with the wrong crowd at school. But by joining Twilight Basketball at Bellahouston Leisure Centre he found a way out.

His hard work paid off when he won a place in the Glasgow Rocks Cadet Team, but four years ago an injury meant he could no longer play. He was not put off. Mohammed offered to volunteer as a coach and now has coaching qualifications.

"This is the first big award I have been nominated for and I feel incredibly proud," he said.

Also nominated for the Individual Award were Caroline Paterson, who set up the Saturday Cafe in Cathcart to provide respite for children with additional support needs, and Joanne Donaldson, a Glasgow Life employee who has given her own time to organising activities for youngsters.

Everyone was a winner last night, said Evening Times' editor Tony Carlin.

He said: "Tonight has shown there are many fantastic individuals and organisations carrying out magnificent work to make the South of Glasgow a better place for us all."

Staff at Holiday Inn Express Glasgow Riverside showed the true spirit of the city after the tragedy of the Clutha helicopter crash last November.

They opened their doors to the injured, emergency services and families of the victims, working through the night and the days that followed to provide, food, drinks and shelter.

For their extraordinary efforts in the most horrific circumstances, the staff were nominated for the Public Services Award.

"It was an incredibly surreal experience," recalls duty manager James Gourlay, who was there last night with five other colleagues from the Clydeside hotel.

"Anyone would have done the same as our staff."

Amina MWRC, a group set up in Shawlands for Muslim women, tackling issues such as sexual harassment, forced marriage, honour-based violence and domestic abuse, was also nominated for the Public Services Award.

As was the Glad Cafe and Foundation, the idea of Rachel Smillie, to provide affordable creative entertainment and music lessons for young people.

Improving the mental and physical health of local people through rehabilitation, training and care services has been the priority of Govan-based Momentum for the past 12 years.

"We are delighted to be finalists but, more importantly, for the clients who are on our programme," said programme manager Linda Fisher, when the group was named as a finalist for the Health and Wellbeing Award.

"It has been a real joy to be able to help them progress and get on with their lives."

Another nominee for the award was the Castlemilk-based Jeely Piece Club, set up nearly 40 years ago and now one of the country's most successful local organisations, providing support for vulnerable families.

Basketball is the tool used by Scottish Sports Futures to work with disadvantaged youngsters, which was nominated for the Sports Award.

"We try to educate them to make positive lifestyle decisions," said project manager Katie Drain."To be nominated shows the work we are doing in the community is important and it is great to get the recognition for that."

Also finalists were Govanhill's Active Life Club, which offers mentoring and coaching to young volunteers; Alzheimer Scotland, which works with Glasgow Life to inspire people of all ages to get active; and Greater Pollok's Whitacres Community Academy, which works with more than 300 young people.

Her great sense of humour and warm-hearted approach to everyone she meets got Morag Harley, from Govanhill, a nomination for the Senior Award.

After a friend was diagnosed with dementia, Morag volunteered with Alzheimer Scotland and gave up her free time to help at a new drop-in cafe in her local area.

"It has been a fantastic night and I just feel so humbled to be in such wonderful company," she said.

Among the other finalists for the Senior Award were the Friendship Club, providing companionship and support; and Tommy Malcolm, who gives his time to help people affected by Alzheimer's.

The final accolade of the night was the Young Award.

Contenders included Castle­milk High pupil Daniel Wilson, 16, who has spent much of his spare time since his first year taking part in fundraising projects, and is an example to younger children.

He said he particularly enjoyed helping out with the bike club.

Meanwhile, finalist Ryan Legerwood has spent 649 hours engaged in voluntary work and the Pupil Council at Tinto Primary has raised money for Children in Need as well as victims of last year's typhoon in the Philippines.