Festive cheer for two charities
29th November 2022
Two exceptional Essex charities have been given a funding boost to recognise their team spirit and outstanding work over the past year.
The charities, Essex Search and Rescue and Thurrock CVS, were chosen for a special award by staff and volunteers at the independent charitable trust, Essex Community Foundation (ECF).
In the course of its vital work ECF has close contact with hundreds of local charities, distributing grants to good causes from the funds it manages on behalf of individuals, families, companies and statutory organisations.
ECF’s staff and volunteers have established their own Team Fund and each year they pick local charities who have had an exceptional year and have a team who deserve recognition by receiving some funding to do something special for themselves.
The staff and volunteers at Essex Search & Rescue and Thurrock CVS are receiving funding so that they can spend some relaxing time together.
Essex Search and Rescue is made up entirely of volunteers, who often work in difficult conditions to support Essex Police and other rescue services. Working in shifts that cover all hours, volunteers come across some upsetting circumstances including suicide attempts, fatalities and missing people. So far this year, the Search and Rescue volunteers have attended 70 call outs across Essex. They plan to spend their funding on a special meal out.
Thurrock CVS provides support to around 500 voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise groups in the Thurrock area. They also run a wide variety of projects including a home help service for those who have just left hospital.
The team has had a tough year, as in August, Kristina Jackson, their CEO of 11 years, sadly died. Her death had a big impact on the team, so they spent the money on a Christmas party, gathering together to mark the end of a difficult year and to begin the festive season.
Caroline Taylor, chief executive of ECF said: “Charities work so hard and would often not think of doing something for themselves. The grant from our team to theirs is meant to be a treat. They can put the money towards anything, but we encourage them to do something for themselves that they wouldn’t otherwise do and give their team a morale boost.
“Since we started our Team Fund in 2010, we have awarded more than £17,000 to the teams of 21 local charities, to thank them for all their hard work during the year and recognise their significant contribution to our local communities.”
For more information on supporting the work of local charities call ECF on 01245 355947.