This Volunteers’ Week we’ve teamed up with City of York Council and the former Lord Mayor of York to encourage everyone in York to send a ‘Big Thanks’ to someone who you feel deserves recognition for the kindness, dedication, generosity, or help they offered during the Coronavirus pandemic.
To send your ‘Big Thanks’, please complete the online form to send your message of appreciation to a member of your community, a work colleague, or someone else who helped you, that you think deserves a ‘Big Thanks’ at https://www.york.gov.uk/BigThanks.
Following the successful restoration of York’s historic Guildhall, an event was held at the Guidlhall to thank a number of Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector organisations for their efforts through the Pandemic. This was a moment to look back, and recognise a number of organisations, on behalf of a City which has many thanks to make.
Framed certificates were presented to the following organisations for their outstanding work in service to our city:
- Snappy
- Age UK York
- Brunswick Organic Nursery
- Community Furniture Stores
- Haxby Memorial Hall
- IDAS
- Move the Masses
- Kyra Women’s Project
- Foxwood Community Centre
- Refugee Action York
- York Neighbours
- Dementia Forward
Alongside the certificates that were awarded at the event, additional certificates of thanks from the Lord Mayor of York will be presented to a range of organisations from across the city.
The reopening event was also an opportunity to acknowledge the work that has already begun to recover from the pandemic and build back better for local residents. This includes the work of caring for and empowering our local communities, rebuilding an inclusive and sustainable economy and continuing to address the climate emergency.
Alison Semmence, Chief Executive of York CVS, said:
“We’re so proud of how York’s voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector responded during the height of the pandemic, and how local charities, community groups and organisations continue to support our city’s communities. We are delighted to see so many organisations thanked and recognised for their contribution.
“We have such a vibrant and resilient VCSE sector in York, and this shines a spotlight on just some of the fantastic work the sector and volunteers are involved in across our city. If you were supported by a volunteer or an employee of a local charity or community group, we encourage you to send them a ‘Big Thanks’ so they get the recognition they deserve.”
Councillor Keith Aspden, Leader of the Council, said:
“This event was just one way to thank and commemorate the contributions of individuals and organisations who went above and beyond to support our city during the pandemic. We know that so many across the city have done and continue to do so much to help friends, family and neighbours, which is why we are looking at other ways to celebrate these efforts. This includes our ‘Big Thanks’ initiative, where people can recognise individuals and organisations at York Big Thanks – City of York Council.
“Having the opportunity to thank and meet so many inspirational people from incredible organisations in the city in the newly refurbished Guildhall was fantastic. This demonstrates what a special place York is and will continue to be as we all recover from what has been a challenging couple of years.”
The Rt Hon The Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Chris Cullwick, said:
“At the Guildhall reopening, we recognised the work of voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations in York.
“I feel an enormous sense of pride, appreciation and admiration for the work of so many people in our communities. It was an honour to hand out framed certificates recognising the contributions made by different organisations in the city during the pandemic.