Community fund spreads Christmas cheer by awarding £40,000
We Love Lichfield, part of the Community Foundation, has awarded £40,000 at its Christmas grant giveaway today.
In the presence of Ian Dudson, the Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire and president of the Community Foundation, the community fund awarded grants to 27 voluntary groups.
The community fund, also celebrated a milestone of its own.
Since We Love Lichfield started over 10 years ago, it has distributed just over £375,000 to nearly 200 different groups.
Patron of We Love Lichfield, Simon Price, said: “This time, we received the highest number of applications ever and I delighted we were able to help so many organisations, especially at Christmas. I’m humbled by the work volunteers do and the number of people who benefit for their work.
“Thank you to The Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Ian Dudson, for attending and seeing the work we do and thank you to everyone, friends, supporters, and most of all the volunteers across the district who simply do an amazing job, giving their time up for others.”
Over 100 people were at The George Hotel to celebrate the efforts of the local voluntary sector.
Pupils from Lichfield Cathedral School welcomed everyone and created the perfect Christmas atmosphere by singing carols.
There were speeches by supporters and recipients before the event finished with the Lord-Lieutenant, on behalf of We Love Lichfield, presenting Lichfield District Council with the 2023 Community Champion Award for co-ordinating and supporting numerous charity, voluntary groups and events throughout the year.
Community groups who received funding include: Lichfield Society of Artists, COGS, Lichfield Arts, Whittington Community Computer Group, 7th St Chads (Lichfield) Guides, Burntwood Family History Group, Lichfield and District Talking News, Burntwood Memorial Hall Community Association, 1st Stonnall Scout Group, Burntwood Gardening Guild, Phoenix Counselling Service, Mindfulness, Awareness & Martial Arts (MAMA), Whittington & Fisherwick Good Neighbour Scheme, Burntwood Be a Friend, Friends of Shenstone Tower, Stonnall Community Centre, PCC of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Chasetown, Lichfield Ladies and Mens Probus Club, Army Welfare Services Community Support, Lichfield Waterworks Trust, Target Sport Burntwood (TSB), Pathway Project, Whittington & Fisherwick Fairtrade, Whittington & Fisherwick Parish Council, The Ridwares Bowling Club, Longdon Womens Institute and Whittington Craft Club.
