Local charity honours Lichfield District Council with ‘Community Champion’ of the year award
A community fund which supports good causes across Lichfield District with cash grants has presented Lichfield District Council with a special award.
At its Christmas grant giveaway at The George Hotel last Thursday, 7 December, We Love Lichfield declared Lichfield District Council the recipient of its ‘2023 Community Champion Award’ for the work it does with the voluntary sector.
Lichfield District Council supports numerous charity and voluntary groups and events throughout the year and raises funds for the sector via its Community Lottery.
More than 100 people attended the giveaway, which saw £40,000 distributed, including representatives of recipient organisations and pupils from Lichfield Cathedral School who welcomed everyone and raised much Christmas spirit by singing carols.
Following speeches, Lichfield District Council’s Leader Doug Pullen received the ‘2023 Community Champion Award’ on behalf of the council from the Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire Ian Dudson.
Councillor Pullen said:
“I’d like to thank We Love Lichfield for recognising the approach that Lichfield District Council takes to supporting the voluntary sector.
“Every single volunteer, and voluntary organisation, has a magical, multiplying effect on each pound we invest in our communities – and I’m grateful to know many of these wonderful groups who do so much good in our district.
“It was an absolute honour to receive the award on behalf of the council and its residents. Whether it’s through our small grants scheme, our Community Lottery or our Voluntary & Community Grants Scheme, voluntary organisations have a range of ways of accessing funding for their work.”
We Love Lichfield also celebrated a significant milestone. Since it was formed over ten years ago the community fund, which raises money for the voluntary sector in the district, has distributed in excess of £375,000 to just shy of 200 different groups.
We Love Lichfield patron, Simon Price, said:
“This time, we received the highest number of applications ever and I was 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 from 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.”