The first ever Leicestershire Community Champions Awards went down a treat last night, with Midland Langar Seva Society taking the flagship award of Charity of the Year.
The event was set up by the Furnley House Foundation in partnership with Voluntary Action LeicesterShire (VAL), to celebrate the amazing people and organisations who have gone above and beyond to help their local communities throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Furnley House Foundation was born out of Furnley House’s ambition to create opportunities and improve the lives of the local community.
Usually, the company holds a number of events to help bring the community together and have previously raised in excess of £40,000 each year for charities and not for profits.
For the Leicestershire Community Champions Awards, the Foundation asked people to nominate their local heroes over ten categories including registered charities, community organisations, local businesses, as well as individuals.
Hosted by local celebrity Ian Stringer, the virtual awards evening last night and was attended by more than 160 people online.
Over £650 was raised, plus an additional £250 from some generous Furnley House clients, which will be split equally between the five Charity of the Year finalists.
Midland Langar Seva Society was awarded the title of Charity of the Year, which was sponsored by Furnley House, winning a £5000 grant as well as a share of the proceeds from the next Furnley House Foundation Summer Ball. The runner up, Charity Link, will also receive tickets to the Ball.
Stefan Fura, co-founder of Furnley House and Trustee of the Furnley House Foundation said: "It was great to see the community of Leicestershire pulling together during this difficult year. We are delighted that we’re able to raise awareness and support so many local causes as well as celebrating the fantastic individuals and organisation who have really made a difference. Congratulations to all the very deserving finalists and winners.
"Thank you to all our judges and sponsors for their generous support of the Awards and the Furnley House Foundation."
The full list of winners, runners up and sponsors:
Charity of the Year - sponsored by Furnley House
Winner: MLSS – Midland Langar Seva Society
Runner-up: Charity Link
Finalists:
Help the Homeless
Steps Conductive Education Centre
Zinthiya Trust
Charity employee of the year – sponsored by The Miller Partnership
Winner: Nicola Rhodes – Bodie Hodges Foundation
Runners up: Francesca Pearson – Macmillan Cancer Support
Louise Wylie – Eyres Monsell Club for Young People
Young fundraiser of the year - Sponsored by Mark J Rees
Winner: Alex Hallam
Runners up:
Faye Callaghan
George Wright
Martha Whittaker
Fundraiser of the year – Sponsored by Octopus Energy
Winner: Glynis Wright
Runners up:
Janet Gilchrist
Richard Frape
Sustainability – Sponsored by Fischer Future Heat
Winner: Red Circle Angling Club and Nature Reserve
Runners up:
Your Local Air Ambulance
Soar Valley Press
Community Spirit Champion – Business – Sponsored by Glynis Wright & Co
Winner: Ben’s Kitchen
Runners up:
Thaliwal & Veja Solicitors
Wigston Fields News and Deli
Community Spirit Champion – Individual - Sponsored by Pattersons Commercial Law
Winner: Gareth Padfield
Runners up:
Dr Abeer Kholghi
Yvette De Sylva
Community event of the year – Sponsored by Paradigm Wills & Legal Services
Winner: Suits & Vinyl
Runners up:
Inderjit Bajaj – Worlds Biggest Coffee Morning
Pie Cycle
Community Organisations – Sponsored by Soar Valley Press
Winner: Woodgate Community Food
Runners up:
Syston Charity Crafting Group
We Care UK
Best Social Media Presence – Sponsored by The Beauty Barn and Winfields Bookkeeping
Winner: Help the Homeless
Runners up:
Leicestershire Cares
Soft Touch Arts
