Today is Giving Tuesday – the antidote to Black Friday and a global day celebrating the power of giving. We are marking this day by recognising the potential of philanthropy in Oxfordshire, and understanding what we can do to help communities thrive post-pandemic.
At this time of year, many people are reminded how vital it is that everyone has a safe, stable and decent home. Homelessness robs people of this basic need.
The Didcot Powerhouse Fund aims to tackle inequality and deprivation within the Garden Town Area of Influence in Didcot. It was founded by Didcot First, key local employers, professionals and volunteers. Together they want to ensure Didcot becomes a more inclusive and sustainable community by attracting funding from a wide range of sources. The Fund was officially launched at an event on the 10th November.
The tenth Maggie’s Day took place on 2nd November 2021. Maggie’s Day is a collaboration between the Maggie Evans Fund and The Story Museum in Oxford to engage schoolchildren across the county with books and stories, culminating in an event with a children’s author. The fund commemorates the life of Maggie, a literary agent who died at the age of 29.
The theme for this year’s World Mental Health Day, on Sunday 10th October, was mental health in an unequal world. With World Homeless Day also falling on the same date, local charities have partnered to highlight how the two issues overlap, and signpost people to the support available.
Oxford Gives is back online on Wednesday, 20th October 2021 from 6pm to 7.30pm. Reserve your place now to join in this live crowdfunding event to hear inspiring pitches from three fantastic Oxfordshire charities and be part of an exciting evening of positive change.
The pandemic has highlighted that lack of online access is a serious issue that limits people’s life chances and wellbeing. Getting Oxfordshire Online will refurbish devices donated by the public and local businesses for school children, isolated older people and others in need.
As she reaches the end of her year as High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, Amanda has been touring the county presenting awards to the many grassroots community groups and charities she has met since April 2020. Despite the pandemic, Amanda has succeeded in raising awareness and funds for a huge number of causes, and used her awards as a chance to recognise the hard work and dedication of the voluntary sector.
Donations to our Community Resilience Fund reached new heights in January, as a result of our appeal to fund urgent projects responding to the third lockdown. We are so grateful for the generosity of our supporters, which means we are able to meet the immediate priorities, and are now looking to the next few months to understand ongoing community needs.
Thanks to the generosity of the community, Oxfordshire Homeless Movement (OHM) was able to raise funds that will now be used to help those at the sharp end of homelessness. OCF hosts OHM’s project management and fundraising.