CHARITY FINALISTS
Below are a list of highly deserving local Thame-based charities who were all nominated for stepping up during lockdown to provide for our community. Vote now to help one of these amazing Charities to receive a £500 grant from Thame Rewards Club! To help explain why, we have provided one example from the nominations received for each finalist.
Sharing Life Trust - they have been instrumental in ensuring food parcels are distributed, They started the Community Fridge project while loosing the majority of volunteers to shielding. Additional volunteers where found and trained. They enabled the Love Thame Helpers to go shopping by providing financial support for those who could not do online banking. They supported the Talking Team project which is to engage with those who need someone to speak to and discuss mental health support.
Lord Williams's Young Carers - Young Carers do a fabulous job and often unnoticed for the invaluable and challenging caring they do each day.
Red Kite Centre - during lockdown the centre had to remain closed (other than essential midwifery activities) yet, despite this, two of the Centre’s staff members worked hard manning the phone line for local families with children under 5. As can be seen from the newly published Babies in Lockdown report from HomeStart, families with young children have been negatively affected by lockdown (particularly families living in deprivation) & the offer of support from the Red Kite Family Centre during lockdown provided a lifeline at a time of desperation for many. The centre also offered online support and many virtual sessions including a baby bar support group & an online group for young parents
Thame Senior Friendship Centre - For supporting the senior and vulnerable members of our community.
Thame Food Bank - really stepped up, recruiting more volunteers as demand for the service locally significantly increased., and adapted to social distancing rules.
Thame Youth Club - giving our younger generation something to do, even online during lockdown.