Anyone who knows Reading knows we have a thriving charity sector and strong communities, the two go hand in hand.
Several of the categories in the Pride of Reading Awards celebrate them.
Awards organisers are looking for nominees for Charity of the Year, sponsored by Reading Today, which recognises a local charity that through working in partnership with businesses or the voluntary/public sector has made an amazing impact on our community.
Or perhaps where you live could be Community of the Year, sponsored by Hilton Reading, a neighbourhood that has encouraged community spirit and by working together has made their area a better place to live and thrive.
The benefits to communities of strong charities are many. They help those in need, increase awareness and education, or even provide environmental protection.
Do you know a charity that fits the bill? Nominate them for Charity of the Year.
And if where you live deserves the title Community of the Year, put them forward for that category.
Other categories for community groups include Cultural Contribution, sponsored by M&G Real Estate, which recognises projects, organisations and people that contribute to the cultural life of Reading.
There is also Great Place to Work, sponsored by Kingdom Rooms. This is a business, charity or community based organisation where employees love to work.
And Team of the Year, sponsored by Cherubs No ordinary florist, celebrates a group that has shown incredible energy and commitment in everything they do. From smashing goals to supporting each other and lifting those around them, they’ve gone the extra mile to make a real impact and set a brilliant example of what great teamwork looks like who have implemented a project that has saved resources, launched green initiatives or introduced successful recycling or upcycling.
And volunteers are a huge community themselves. Volunteer/s of the Year, sponsored by AB Walker, celebrates teams as well as individuals engaged in diverse and challenging tasks or who have simply stepped up when needed to help others.
