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(Published on behalf of Woking Community Fund)
On Thursday 19 January the Woking Community Fund held an evening reception, hosted by local businessman and Vice President at the Community Foundation for Surrey, Shahid Azeem, for Woking businesses and representatives from Woking Borough Council. The aim of the evening was to launch a fundraising appeal that is supported by Woking Borough Council with match-funding.
The evening was held at Export House and £22,500 was pledged by the following local businesses: Seymour’s Woking, Sharaz Homes, Arcom IT, Woking Asian Business Forum, Natta Buildings , JRL Group, Boz Fruit & Veg, and Deli Class. Woking Borough Council has kindly donated £11,250 to 50% match-fund donations.
Woking Borough Council Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for the Voluntary Sector, Cllr Will Forster, said: “I am delighted the Council is joining forces with the Community Foundation for Surrey to help the voluntary sector across Woking. I know first-hand that the Woking based Foundation do amazing work. The Council is looking forward to working with them to support charities, community groups and volunteers in the coming weeks, months and years.
“I want to thank the businesses who have already generously supported the Woking Community Fund. The new partnership between the Council and the Foundation is already proving its worth, bringing in vital funding from private donations."
Community Foundation for Surrey Chief Executive Beccy Bowden was thrilled with the success of the evening: “I’m really pleased to see the local business community in Woking stepping up to support the Woking Community Fund at a time when we are seeing a 400% increase in number of requests for funding to support those impacted by economic disadvantage in our county. It’s a real testament to the wonderful community spirit in Woking and I know that the money will be used to support those most in need.”
Woking Community Fund Chair Emma Patel underlined the importance of the fundraising event: “It was a fantastic evening. With the donors’ enormous generosity and support, we are making a massive difference by providing positive solutions in our communities for local people and disadvantaged individuals. No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. Thank you to everyone who attended.”
More about the Woking Community Fund
The Woking Community Fund was established in 2012 by Jim McAllister, CEO of The Rutland Group, who was present on Thursday evening. To date, the Fund has awarded £126,490.28 in grants to support charities and organisations working in Woking for the benefit of the local community. Read more about the Woking Community Fund.
Grants are awarded to support the following:
- Supporting projects or improving facilities which combat social isolation and disadvantage.
- Helping people to gain confidence and raise aspirations through training and development of new skills.
- Providing counselling, advice, respite and support.
- Supporting those experiencing difficult circumstances due to an illness, injury, disability, bereavement or financial difficulty.
If you would like to help, the Community Foundation for Surrey is able to receive donations via the on-line giving platform: https://cfsurrey.enthuse.com/cf/woking-community-fund and direct bank transfer.