Lichfield charity receives biggest award from council's business trading arm

Community fund We Love Lichfield has received a £10,000 donation from the business trading arm of Lichfield District Council.

Lichfield West Midlands Traded Services (LWMTS) has donated funds from its annual surplus as part of its commitment to give back to the local area.

LWMTS is the wholly owned trading company of Lichfield District Council.

It exists to deliver high-quality services to residents on behalf of the council.

It also shares its award-winning expertise with other councils and organisations across the country.

All surpluses are reinvested back into local public services with the ability to donate to good causes in the district.

Alex Farrell, chair of LWMTS said: “I’m delighted to make this donation. LWMTS has had an excellent year where we have been able to make significant returns to Lichfield District Council which will, in turn, be used to benefit local people.

“In addition, we can make donations to organisations we feel make a difference across the district.

 “We Love Lichfield has raised and distributed over £420,000 to more than 400 different groups since it started a decade ago.

“It specifically helps smaller groups, who may not receive the limelight, but are the bedrock of the local voluntary community.

 “By making this donation to We Love Lichfield and their unique knowledge and connections in the local voluntary sector, we are maximising our reach and benefitting as many people as possible who make a difference across the district.”

Some of the organisations to receive We Love Lichfield grants over the years include Spark in Burntwood, Whittington Community Computer Club and Friends 2 Friends.

Esther Allen from Spark Burntwood said, “Our groups have received multiple grants from We Love Lichfield which has helped us to provide vital services to local people.

“Without grants from We Love Lichfield we wouldn’t have been able to do much of our work for the community.”

Simon Price, patron of We Love Lichfield, said: “Wow. A huge thank you for this kind donation which will have a massive, positive effect on local voluntary groups across Lichfield, Burntwood and the surrounding villages.

“My thanks also go to Lichfield District Council for entrusting We Love Lichfield in assisting them in their grant and Community Lottery funds.

“To have the council as a partner gives us a boost to strive even harder to make a difference across our district.”

 Grant applications can be made at any time throughout the year and We Love Lichfield are always looking for groups to apply for the first time.

Grant awards are made twice a year in the Summer and at Christmas.

For more information, visit the website.

Pictured: Alex Farrell, chair of LWMTS presents £10,000 to Simon Price of We Love Lichfield while (from left) Andrea Felton, finance drector LWMTS; Julian Fisher of We Love Lichfield and Simon Fletcher, managing director LWMTS look on