The presentation was an opportunity to pay tribute to the hundreds of volunteers across the District - in the city, Burntwood and all the rural villages. Each recipient group made a speech about the work they did so that guests were able to gain an insight into the thousands of voluntary hours given every week across the District.

Simon Price, Patron of We Love Lichfield hosted the event and thanked everyone in attendance for supporting The Fund plus thanks were given to The George Hotel for hosting the event. Simon also thanked various companies for donating gifts to the recipient groups. Each group had a goodie bag. The contents are given as recognition for the volunteers who give up their spare time to help others and included the Wolverhampton Grand for theatre tickets, Worth Brothers Wine for vouchers, The George for a meal for two at Darwin’s Restaurant vouchers and finally Arthur Price who donated vouchers for its Factory Shop.

Simon explained the history of the fund, that it began in 2011 with £24,000 sitting in dormant funds which was released by Lichfield District Council. This figure was match funded and since then fund-raising has boosted the balance. The capital invested is not touched – only the interest made is given out in donations. The aim is to create a fund with sufficient capital for it to pay out £50,000 every year to the community for ever.

Simon said the Fund Advisors were very proud of their achievements in helping voluntary groups across the District, but they would never stop trying to raise more.  Simon explained this in a series of numbers. He said: “We started with £24,000 7 years ago and so far, we have given away £157,000 via 191 grants to 141 community groups. We Love Lichfield gives away to groups across the whole of the District which has 103,000 people. Many firms have supported WLL in 2017 including Richard Winterton, Spires Care Home and The Food Festival who have so far in 2018 raised over £1000 each. 16 WLL advisors give their time for free to help the amazing voluntary groups and at this event we are giving away £30,000 raised with their help in-conjunction with Lichfield District Council.” 

The final number Simon highlighted was 1315 representing the dates 13-15 July when WLL will be hosting with Lichfield Cricket Club and the Lord Taverners, a special fund-raising event for all three organisations.  Everyone is welcome to attend various events including a dinner with guest speaker Michael Vaughan, the ex-England captain and a Lichfield X1 vs England X1 on Sunday 15July.  For more information call Tom Stone on 07557 962159 or email LichfieldCC@outlook.com. 

The recipients of the Summer 2018 giveaway are 1^st Beaudesert Rainbow Unit, Fun Club Lichfield, Alrewas Arts Festival, Burntwood Rugby Club, 1^st Fazeley Rainbows, City of Lichfield Friends, Burntwood Town Council, Whittington Church Hall Committee, Fradley Heritage Group, Violets In Bloom, The Buddy Bags Foundation, 1^st Fazeley Scouts, Lichfield Greenhill Bower, Midlands Soccer Academy, Open Door OF Hope, Pathway Project, Phoenix Counselling Service, Stonnall Youth, Trans-Staffordshire, Woodhouse Farm and Garden CIC, Fun Club VIP Burtnwood and Lichfield Cricket Club Junior Section.

It was a very enjoyable morning and to see and hear from the recipients on how they were going to use the money to improve the services that they already provide was a true inspiration.

Pictured. The We Love Lichfield advisors celebrating their 2018 Summer Giveaway with some important numbers