Latest News • Community Foundation Wakefield District

We Are Wakefield Swish

There’s an exciting event taking place from 4.30pm on Wednesday 25th September, hosted by We Are Wakefield.

Get ready for a fun night of clothes swapping just before Awards season kicks off. All you have to do is donate up to 5 good quality items of evening/occasion wear before the event.

On the night, you swap your own items for ‘new to you’ items, giving these clothes a whole new lease of life!

Also on the night:

Award-winning styles by En Route Hair and Beauty and a chance to win a free style appointment.
“Strike a Pose” Masterclass by Perrin Read of Roth Read Photography.
Wardrobe Wellbeing tips from Rachel Smith of Clutter is the Enemy.
Sustainability tips from Helen McDonald of Solupak.
Wine tasting by Jean Juvinniere Wines.
Raffle and tombola with proceeds to charity.
Networking opportunities.
Drinks, nibbles, and a red-carpet fashion show!

There will be fashion for men and women on the night, with a specific focus on formalwear or party wear. Any unclaimed items will be donated to Community Foundation Wakefield District.

Get your tickets here.

Drop off clothes at all WAW events (next event at Wakefield Trinity on Friday 6th September), WAW HQ, Office 3 The Harrison Suite, Nostell Estate WF4 1AB, Clutter is the Enemy, 27 Oxford Road, Wakefield WF1 3LB, Solupak, California Drive, Castleford WF10 5QH.

Our new logo!

Happy Yorkshire Day! We’ve decided today would be a fantastic day to reveal our exciting announcement…

Our new logo!

We’ve decided on an umbrella to represent our charity. Our mission is to provide immediate impact to local people who are most in need. We’re the shelter from the storm. Just as an umbrella protects people from the rain, we shield Wakefield District residents from unexpected crises. An umbrella is designed to keep people dry, and it’s our mission to keep people “above water”, emotionally and financially, during difficult times.

We’re always ready. An umbrella can be opened quickly when needed, just like we provide instant support without any judgement, without needing to fill in a form or meet a specific criteria. But carrying an umbrella requires foresight, but not to worry – we’re always prepared to assist those who might unexpectedly need help.

Finally, the umbrella can represent a shared community space under which all of Wakefield’s residents can find refuge and support in our Foundation.

We’re updating our print marketing materials as we go along, since it’s important to us and our mission to save things from going to landfill, so if you see our old logo on anything – that’s why!

Make a Difference in Wakefield: Volunteer with Us

Are you looking for a way to volunteer and give back to your local community and make a real difference in people’s lives? Look no further than volunteering with Wakefield’s best-kept secret – the Community Foundation Wakefield District. We provide essential support to those in need without judgment or red tape.

Whether you’re sorting donations, assisting customers, or helping to create care packages, your time and effort will make a huge difference in people’s lives.

Why should you volunteer with us?

We offer direct, no-questions-asked assistance to those in crisis, unlike many other organisations with lengthy application processes. As a volunteer, you’ll see the immediate impact of your efforts on local people’s lives.
From providing warm coats to those facing a cold winter to offering smart interview clothing for job seekers, our charity shop, The Community Give Box, helps people from all walks of life. Your work will help individuals in various situations, giving you a broad perspective on community needs.
We believe in helping without judgment. As a volunteer, you’ll be part of a team that offers support to anyone who needs it, regardless of their background or circumstances. Knowing that your efforts directly contribute to improving someone’s life situation can bring immense personal satisfaction and a sense of purpose.
The Community Give Box is more than just a charity shop. We collect donations and sell these pre-loved goods, but our shop actually gives away more than it sells. This is how we can help people in the most direct way possible.
Many of the people we help are starting over. By volunteering, you’ll play a crucial role in providing household items and care packages that help individuals and families get back on their feet.
Volunteering at The Community Give Box offers opportunities to develop retail skills, customer service experience, and organisational abilities.
You’ll meet like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a difference. As Wakefield’s best-kept secret, you’ll be joining a dedicated team working tirelessly to support those in need.
Whether you can offer a few hours a week or more, we appreciate all levels of commitment from our volunteers.

The Community Foundation Wakefield District is more than just a charity – it’s a lifeline for many in our community. By volunteering with us, you’re providing support to people when they need it the most.

Interested in volunteering?

Contact us today at Julia.Smith@wakefieldcf.org.uk to learn more about how you can get involved and make a difference in Wakefield!

You’ve heard of FOMO, but is your business at risk of FOYOMO?

Attending fundraising events has always been a significant part of community engagement for businesses.

So, what is FOYOMO?

FOMO stands for ‘Fear Of Missing Out’, but we want to coin the acronym FOYOMO – which stands for ‘Fear Of Your Organisation Missing Out’.

On a personal basis, weighing up the pros and cons of attending/missing an event is simply that, a personal choice. But when it comes to your business…does it say more about your organisation if it’s not at a local, highly-prestigious event like the Community Foundation Wakefield District’s ‘Unsung Heroes’ Awards?

This is FOYOMO explained…and why local businesses should look to sponsor an award at the Unsung Heroes Awards 2024 and take a table for their staff/guests.

Demonstrates community commitment

Purchasing a table at a prominent fundraising event in your organisation’s locality is a powerful way for businesses to show their commitment to the community. By attending and visibly supporting these efforts, businesses can align themselves with the values of community service and goodwill. This not only boosts the business’s reputation but also shows that they care about the well-being of the locality beyond their commercial interests.

Networking opportunities

Fundraising events attract a wide range of attendees, including other business owners, community leaders, and influential individuals. This provides a unique occasion at which you could forge new partnerships, collaborations, and business opportunities. By purchasing a table, businesses can host key clients, potential partners, or even local influencers—fostering relationships that could be beneficial in the long term.

Enhanced brand visibility

Having a presence at a high-profile local event enhances brand visibility. When a business purchases a table, it often comes with additional perks such as mentions in the event programme, across social media, and signage opportunities. This visibility can significantly enhance a business’s profile within the community, positioning it as a key player and supporter of local initiatives.

Positive public relations

Participating in a fundraising event for local volunteers is a goldmine for positive public relations. It provides ample opportunities to share stories of community engagement and support on social media, the company’s website, and in press releases. Businesses can highlight their participation and the impact of their contribution, which resonates well with customers who value corporate social responsibility. This positive image can enhance customer loyalty and attract new customers who prefer to support socially responsible businesses.

Team-building and employee morale

Attending such events can also serve as a fantastic team-building exercise. Inviting employees to join the event can boost morale and foster a sense of pride and camaraderie within the team. Employees often appreciate working for a company that values and supports community initiatives. This can lead to increased job satisfaction, improved retention rates, and a stronger, more cohesive company culture.

Competitive edge

Being visibly absent from significant local events can evoke unintended negative signals about a business. It might suggest that the business either cannot afford to participate or that it does not prioritise community engagement. In contrast, businesses that actively participate gain a competitive edge by positioning themselves as integral parts of the community. This participation can differentiate them from their competitors, showcasing them as leaders in corporate social responsibility.

Supporting local causes

Purchasing a table is not just about visibility and networking; it’s also a direct way to support local causes. The funds raised from these events often go towards vital community projects and initiatives. By contributing, businesses help ensure these projects can continue, leading to a stronger, more vibrant community. This, in turn, can create a more prosperous environment for businesses to thrive in.

Encouraging volunteerism

Businesses that support volunteer-focused events also send a message to their staff and the broader community about the importance of volunteering. This can inspire more people to get involved in local volunteer efforts, creating a ripple effect of goodwill and community improvement. When businesses lead by example, they help foster a culture of giving and community support that benefits everyone.

Long-term community investment

Supporting community events is an investment in the future. Healthy, vibrant communities attract more residents, tourists, and potential employees. By contributing to the betterment of Wakefield through such events, businesses are investing in a prosperous future for the community and, by extension, their own growth and success. This long-term view underscores the importance of being an active participant in community initiatives.

So, after reading all that…will your business be suffering from FOYOMO on October 11th?

To enquire about sponsorship or taking a table at Wakefield’s Unsung Heroes Awards, please contact Lisa Milburn at lisa.milburn@wakefieldcf.org.uk or call 01924 239181.

Boiler Donation from Equans

Thanks to a generous donation from Equans, we were able to provide brand new boilers to two fantastic organisations in our community.

The story began when Equans found themselves with a surplus of new boilers in their basement that would’ve been put in a skip if they didn’t find a new home quickly. Instead of letting these valuable resources go to waste, they reached out to us to see if we could find good homes for them.

We tapped into our network of contacts to see if anyone was in need of a boiler, and we were able to pass them on to Featherstone Rovers and Wakefield Hospice, for a patient family room.

We’re extremely grateful to Equans for their thoughtful donation and commitment to reducing waste. This is just one small example of how a little creativity and collaboration can create a positive ripple effect that benefits us all!

Introducing our Unsung Heroes Headline Sponsors – Prosper Wakefield

We recently caught up with Julie from Prosper Wakefield, who are the Headline Sponsors of this year’s Unsung Heroes Awards. We asked Julie a few questions about the awards and the Wakefield District for you to get to know Prosper better:

Why do you think it’s important to celebrate our district’s volunteers?

Celebrating our volunteers helps to recognise and appreciate their wonderful contributions to our community. Volunteers give up their time and skills without expecting anything in return so their commitment to making Wakefield a better place is super important.

You’ve been a long-time sponsor of Unsung Heroes; what do you like best about the event?

One of the best aspect of Unsung Heroes is the atmosphere of appreciation and gratitude. It’s truly heartwarming to witness volunteers being recognised and honoured for their dedication and contributions to the community. It’s also wonderful to see volunteers come together and celebrate their collective achievements, share stories and connect with one another.

If money were no object, who would you choose to fill the evening’s entertainment slot?

Maybe a background singer. When people are eating they like to sit and chat and don’t always want to sit and properly listen. There could be a dedicated slot at the end when the singer performs properly to the audience.

What are your favourite places in Wakefield?

I love Tileyard North and Wakefield Cathedral; they are great venues.

Can you tell us a few sentences about Prosper and the work you do in Wakefield?

Prosper is the largest independent grant maker in Wakefield. We support local VCSE organisations by giving grants to help support people in our community. We also run a volunteering programme where we identify skills gaps and opportunities in the sector, such as mentoring, social media support, hep with HR and much more. We are partnering with a number of businesses to support with this.

We’d like to say a huge thank you Prosper for being Headline Sponsors of this year’s Unsung Heroes Awards.

Easter Egg Collection 2024 for Wakefield Street Kitchen & Kidz Aware

Spring is in the air, and that can only mean one thing – our annual Easter Egg Collection is back! We’ve teamed up with the amazing Wakefield Street Kitchen and Kidz Aware to give back to people in need across the Wakefield District and donate as many Easter eggs as we can.

The Goal: 1,500 Easter Eggs for Local Families

Our target this Easter is to collect a whopping 1,500 chocolate eggs and treats to distribute to families struggling to make ends meet. For many children, a simple Easter egg is a luxury their parents cannot afford. By pulling together, we can ensure these little ones get to experience Easter the same as any other child.

How You Can Get Involved

If you’d like to donate Easter eggs, you can drop them off at any time between now and Easter at The Community Give Box in Trinity Walk Shopping Centre at the top of the escalators above Sainsbury’s.

Can’t make it to our donation point? No problem! You can still join the egg-citing mission by making a monetary donation on our website. Simply choose ‘Easter Egg Donations’ from the drop-down menu on our online donation page and we’ll use your kind gift to purchase extra Easter eggs for donation.

Every Egg Counts

No matter how big or small, every single Easter egg donated will brighten a child’s day and show a local family in need that their community cares. After all, it’s the simple things that can spark the biggest smiles.

Let’s make this an egg-stravaganza to remember, Wakefield! Dig deep, get cracking, and help us reach our target of 1,500 eggs before Easter Sunday. Together, we’ve got this!

Trinity Walk footfall at a four-year high

The year 2023 was a success for Trinity Walk shopping centre in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. Footfall returned to pre-pandemic levels, with close to 10 million visits throughout the year.

Part of this success was driven by 10 new lettings secured by Trinity Walk in 2023. One of those was The Community Give Box, the Community Foundation Wakefield District’s retail arm, which moved to a more prominent location at the top of the centre’s escalators.

The larger premises allow us to offer even more pre-loved goods, diverting useful items from landfills while raising crucial funds for disadvantaged people across the Wakefield District. Plus, it gives our customers access to even more bargains!

With major brands like Sports Direct, Warren James and Bob & Berts setting up shop alongside community-focused enterprises like The Community Give Box, Trinity Walk has become an essential shopping and gathering hub for the Wakefield community.

Local Tech Company Donates Laptops to Food Banks in Need

When Chris, who runs The Virtual IT Director, was put in touch with us about donating refurbished laptops to people in need, we knew we had to help facilitate something impactful. Around the same time, Wakefield Council had just provided grants to local food banks for laptops and reporting software. By coordinating efforts, we saw an opportunity for collaboration.

Chris generously prepared 20 revitalised laptops for donation. Rather than food banks having to spend their £500 council grants on devices, they could now utilise that funding to directly help feed more local residents. With Chris’s tech support and our coordination with the Council to handle distribution, over £10k total was freed up for the food banks.

Handing the laptops over to the Council for the food banks to use for required reporting, we felt overjoyed seeing our community come together. From a local business wanting to give back, to charities serving vulnerable populations, to government support, this was a unified effort that made a tangible difference.

The laptops will empower food banks to more easily submit data on those they help, allowing them to focus on their critical services during a challenging time. And the extra grant money they now have will go even further thanks to everyone’s joint goodwill. This inspiring collaboration and generosity is what community is all about.

The Community Give Box collaboration with Heart of Yorkshire Wakefield College

We’re excited to announce a new collaboration between The Community Give Box and the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group’s Wakefield College.

Students studying textile and design at Wakefield College will upcycle items from The Community Give Box, transforming them into unique, one-of-a-kind, designer items.

This new project combines creativity, sustainability and community support. The students will utilise their skills to breathe new life into these items, giving them a fresh and fashionable twist. One example of a piece in this collection is a skirt with a new panel made entirely of ties from The Give Box.

Once the project has been completed, these unique items made by the talented students at Wakefield College will be sold at The Give Box for our community to support both the charity and these budding designers.

The collaboration between the Community Foundation Wakefield District and Heart of Yorkshire Education Group is an excellent example of how creativity can be harnessed to support a worthy cause. By upcycling donated items, they not only reduce waste but also promote sustainable fashion and artistic expression.

The Give Box is a community-driven initiative that encourages people to donate their unwanted items to our shop in Trinity Walk, which will be resold to raise funds to help people across the Wakefield District. The Community Give Box also creates care packaged for people in need, such as children from low-income families, people fleeing domestic abuse situations, and other local community projects, like baby banks, homeless shelters, children’s charities, uniform banks, and much more.

We’re excited to see the final designs and the interesting and unique items that emerge from this project. Stay tuned for updates on this collaboration and be sure to visit The Community Give Box in Trinity Walk to support local talent and sustainable fashion.