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As part of this years’ Volunteers’ Week celebrations, we launched our ever popular Action Together Volunteer Celebration Fund for 2023.
The fund invites VCFSE groups from Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside to apply for a grant of up to £500 to host an event or activity to celebrate and say thanks to their volunteers. It really is the perfect opportunity for your organisation to honour every one of your volunteers, celebrate their achievements and their fantastic contributions that make a difference within our communities.
We’re sure you have heaps of wonderful ideas and plans already but if you needed any inspiration, just take a look at these amazing activities that our members were able to deliver using grants from our Volunteer Celebration Fund during 2022.
Cycling Imaam Club
The Oldham-based Cycling Imaam Club encourages members of the local community to be healthy by cycling and hiking and promotes good physical and mental health to its members.
In September 2022 they hosted a ‘Chaii and Chat’ Volunteer Recognition Evening which was a huge success, with their volunteers saying they were delighted that their efforts had been appreciated and noticed.
Leader, Atiq Rahman, said,
“The event increased our bond and also gave us the motivation to continue with our aims. The winter season is a challenging period for communities to stay active. We hope to motivate and inspire people to continue to stay fit.”
The Oldham Band Lees
The Oldham Band Lees used their grant to celebrate all their volunteers by presenting them with a cup and a certificate, thanking them for their support during their impressive journey to The National Finals at The Royal Albert Hall in 2022.
Outta Skool
Outta Skool is a community organisation based in Oldham which has been providing sports and health programmes for adults and children for more than 10 years.
Thanking their volunteers in December 2022 the group held, what they described as, their ‘biggest annual celebration yet’. We caught up with Founder, Moinul Islam, and he told us;
“We usually celebrate just 2-3 volunteers each year but with this funding we were able to dedicate a segment of our Awards Evening to the importance of volunteers and award every single volunteer, regardless of how much contribution they made. The funding put a smile on 18 people’s faces and we have no doubt that they will continue to volunteer. Since the event we have had more young people and adults approach us for volunteering opportunities.
This project highlighted the important roles that volunteers play within our organisation. By the end of the event the audience of 220 people understood exactly how we manage to offer our services for free, or a nominal fee. We were able to make every single volunteer feel special.”
Fatima Women’s Association
Back in September 2022 and partly thanks to the grant they received from our Volunteer Celebration Fund, Fatima Women’s Association honoured their volunteers with a Celebration Meal at a local restaurant.
During the evening, they conducted a presentation and talked about the remarkable success of Fatima Women’s Association for over 31 years, sharing past and present stories. Twenty-four volunteers benefitted from the celebrations and shared their feedback with us. Here are just a few of the volunteer comments…
“Our celebration events are always very special. FWA values every individual.”
“In our centre we understand the value of living in a multi-cultural, diverse society where every individual is valued and respected.”
Dr Kershaw’s Hospice
Action Together member Dr Kershaw’s Hospice used their grant to hold a wonderful Volunteer Celebration Evening in December 2022 at North Chadderton Bowling and Social Club.
Their volunteers had a great time and commented;
“The Christmas volunteer social was so thoughtful and very much appreciated. The volunteers support such a range of areas at Dr Kershaw’s and this was my first opportunity to meet with other volunteers - it was amazing to see so many people having such a lovely time. Everyone I met and had opportunity to talk with thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the event. Thanks to Leanne and Nicky for the wonderful organisation and looking after the volunteer team so well.”
Reel CIC
Reel CIC (REAL EDUCATION EMPOWERING LIVES) hosted a Volunteer’s Tea Party to thank and celebrate their volunteers and received glowing feedback which confirmed their event had been hugely successful, not only in honouring their contributions but making them feel valued and giving them the chance to meet other volunteers and share experiences.
“A couple of hours just dedicated to recognising the work that we do was lovely. The food was delicious but then to be handed a bag of gifts was surprising and greatly received! I’m very proud to be part of the team.”
Volunteer Celebration Fund 2023 Information
For more information on this years’ Volunteer Celebration Fund see our website: www.actiontogether.org.uk/volunteer-celebration-fund-2023-action-together or contact our Funding Team on: 0161 339 2345 or email: funding@actiontogether.org.uk
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 31 July 2023. However, applications to this fund may be closed before that date if all available funds have been allocated. Any funds awarded must be spent by 31 December 2023.