Every year JVN celebrates volunteers and the amazing work they do presenting several awards to some of the community’s most outstanding volunteers. The JVN Volunteering Awards have been held annually since 2014 with this year's event being held last night (Tuesday 2nd March).
We are delighted to announce our latest initiative - Prams for Good. The initiative, which aligns perfectly with our mission as a charity, aims is to take back pushchairs that are in good condition from families, influencers, brands and celebrities, and re-distribute them via a network of independent retailers, logistics companies and local charities to families in need across the UK and overseas.
I recently listened to a TEDTalk from Mary Portas where she talked about the emergence of the Kindness Economy “An economy built on awareness and sentience.” As someone who runs a charity that supports vulnerable individuals and families in need, I share Mary’s sentiment that kindness is a word rarely associated with business but one that is fundamental to the future success of business.
In 2020 The Trussell Trust reported that more than 1.2 million emergency food parcels were given to people struggling to afford essentials with 2,600 food parcels being provided every day to children in the first six months of the pandemic. It's natural that the first thing anyone thinks to donate to a food bank is food but toiletries and hygiene products, such as nappies and baby wipes are also extremely important and under increasing demand.
As the world tackles the complex challenges and battles against the Covid-19 Pandemic, our small team of four is working harder than ever to support the requests we receive weekly from our network of 40 UK charities. Whilst in parallel our international work continues we are facing the challenges Brexit brings, head on.
When I reflect on this past year so far, it has been a difficult one. Difficult for everyone; difficult for the world!
Following the shocking explosion last week in Beirut, Lebanon, Goods For Good have been working to help support our partners on the ground deliver urgent medical aid. We need your help to make this happen and support these vulnerable people who have lost everything in a second.
We have been supplying goods to the Royal Free Hospital [Free] Supermarket. We received a wonderful letter of thanks from Clara Bispham, fundraiser for the Royal Free Hospital.
This International Women’s Day we reflected at how over the past 5 years Goods For Good has helped vulnerable women across the world by delivering them essential goods. Also, how we are continuing to support marginalised women who do not have access to basic necessities.
I love this special time of year. It’s magical. I love the twinkling Christmas lights and the sparkle in the stores. Whether we are celebrating Christmas or Chanukah; it’s a time when families and friends get together, whatever their religion. A time when people gifts to one and other. A time to step back and relax from the 363 “normal days” of the year.