Suffolk charities scoop share of £1million fund

Eight charities based in Suffolk have received donations of £1,000 each as part of the Movement for Good awards.

The awards, set up by specialist insurer Ecclesiastical, will see a total of £1million given to charities across the UK this summer. Members of the public were invited to nominate causes close to their hearts, with 500 awards of £1,000 available for donation.

Beccles Lido Limited, Falcon Meadow Community Trust, Southwold Railway Trust, Suffolk Animal Rescue and Fresh Start New Beginnings are amongst the local charities set to benefit from the money, following overwhelming public support in the county.

More than 580 kind-hearted residents voted for a total of 30 charities across the region.

In total, an amazing 253,879 people around the UK supported the Movement for Good awards, with over 13,695 charitable causes up and down the country receiving votes. The 500 winning charities were picked at random from those nominated.

Thanking supporters in Suffolk, Mark Hews, Group CEO of Ecclesiastical, said: “We have seen an overwhelming public response to our Movement for Good awards and would like to thank every single person who took the time to nominate a good cause. It’s clear that people care deeply about those in need in their region at what is an incredibly testing time for many, and from looking at the nomination data locally, community organisations seem to hold a particularly fond place in the hearts of residents.

“Ecclesiastical is a unique financial services group. We are owned by a charity which means all available profits can be given to the good causes that are so important to our customers. As a company whose purpose is to contribute to the greater good of society, charitable giving is at the heart of our business. We know that £1,000 can make a huge difference to the incredible work that charities do and we’re looking forward to seeing how this financial boost will change lives for the better.”

For more information about the Movement for Good awards and for a full list of the winning charities, visit: www.ecclesiastical.com/movementforgood

Later this summer, a further ten charities will also be chosen by a panel of judges to receive £50,000 from Ecclesiastical to be put towards the advancement of education, skills, arts, culture and heritage, as well as citizenship or community development.

From 15 June, charities are invited to apply for the substantial grant with applications being assessed against four key areas; impact and effectiveness, sustainability, innovation, and care and compassion.

The successful charities will be announced from Monday 21 September 2020 on the website.