The Community Foundation is calling for people to nominate their unsung heroes in the community, who donate their money and time to worthwhile causes, but rarely have their generosity recognised publicly.
The Unsung GeNErosity Hero competition is part of the Community Foundation and Newcastle University’s GeNErosity Festival, which is sponsored by Muckle LLP. It is a series of 50 events, taking place across the North East between Wednesday 7th November and Tuesday 27th November, celebrating the history and role of philanthropy and giving across the region, which has helped to shape the North East today.
Rob Williamson, Chief Executive of the Community Foundation, said: “Philanthropy is about giving money, time and resource to help others. We often take so much we see around us today for granted without ever wondering where it came from. Places like Grey’s Monument in Newcastle, Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle, and the Hospital of God at Greatham wouldn’t exist today if it hadn’t been for philanthropists giving their money and time to build a better future for communities in our region.
“That said, we know a lot about the region’s major philanthropists such as Dame Margaret Barbour, Sir Peter Vardy and Jonathan Ruffer, but through our Unsung GeNErosity Hero competition, we want to highlight the everyday generosity of people from all walks of life. It’s these people whose giving quietly behind the scenes makes such a huge difference to our communities across the North East yet these acts of generosity usually go unnoticed.
“From the regular donor who’s had a standing order supporting their favourite cause throughout their life, , to the young entrepreneur who quietly donates a percentage of profits to a charity each year without any fanfare, we want to hear these stories so we can share the message of the importance of philanthropy and giving in the North East far and wide, while celebrating those who give their money and time freely to community causes close to their heart.”
Nominations into the Unsung GeNErosity Hero competition will close at 5pm on Friday 19th October.
For more information about the GeNErosity Festival, the Unsung GeNErosity Hero competition, or to nominate an Unsung GeNErosity Hero, visit: https://www.generosityfestival.co.uk.