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.
Evidence shows that COVID-19 has a greater impact on black and brown people in terms of fatality, financial losses and other social impacts. A new collective of BAME-led charitable organisations in the county is arguing for more philanthropic investment in grassroots activity serving these communities.