Hull Community Fund launches
On the 3rd of July, leaders from the corporate, public and charitable sectors in Hull came together at Hull Minster to hear all about the brand-new Hull Community Fund. An exciting, but simple way for people and businesses to give back in Hull, the event was all about encouraging people to contribute to the Hull Community Fund to create a healthier and fairer Hull for everyone.
The power of community was carefully interlaced and showcased throughout the evening showing the difference funding makes to the vital charitable sector.
Intriguing many, a rally car and volunteer members of the Outkast Panda Crew CIC greeted guests at the entrance of the Minster, telling their story of how young people are finding themselves and a new way to live through actually getting stuck into car maintenance, rallying, modifications and more.
Women from the Bora Shabaa Refugee organisation’s choir sang and danced together welcoming everyone into the magical space. With hot bowls of food and celebratory drinks enjoyed, the Minster came alive with chatter and joy.
Harriet Johnson, a well-known Hull community advocate and Head of Partnerships at Two Ridings welcomed everyone to the event. She talked about the incredible city Hull is, how it beats to its own drum and how creative and resilient the people are. She was joyous about how the fund would contribute to the vibrancy of this special city.
Celia McKeon talked about the purpose of the fund, the impact it could make and gave clear reasons why people should get involved.
Jonny Cahill, who set up the Outkast Panda Crew talked about the reason why they wanted to tackle antisocial behaviour and how the young people they walk alongside gain not just hope and confidence, but the skills to move on to employment and further education in the world of cars, engineering, electronics and more.
Young people from the Maxlife Youth Project performed an energetic dance around the theme of confidence, followed by two of their young people explaining how dance had built up their confidence.
One of the dancers stated:
“Maxlife is like family to me. I love going and I feel safe and confident because of it.”
Ian Anderson from Hull City Council highlighted the needs and issues in the city and how important a fund specifically for Hull was. He talked about how partnerships come about and how working together across sectors is vital for the long-term health and wellbeing of local people and communities.
Four community leaders shared the impact of their work and talked about the importance of funding to bring communities together, give people a place to call home and combat loneliness and isolation.
People recognised that donating to Hull Community Fund makes a tangible difference by directly funding initiatives that benefit our community.
Richard Frith, a former Bishop of Hull, stated:
“What a splendid occasion. I think some important seeds were sown; certainly there were some excellent conversations. I very much enjoyed it and was glad to see old friends and make new acquaintances for the first time.”
Every aspect of the evening showcased the power of community and the impact just a handful of local organisations have on people’s lives. Dozens more community organisations around the city all help people to survive and thrive, and the Hull Community Fund will be key in funding that.
Launched in partnership between Two Ridings Community Foundation, Hull City Council, Hull CVS, Forum and HEY Smile Foundation, and thanks to initial donations from the Alderman Jackson Fund and Rank Foundation, the Hull Community Fund opens on Monday 8th July for applications from Hull’s local community organisations.
The fund focuses on six shared ambitions to enable Hull to thrive:
- Safe and welcoming neighbourhoods
- A healthier and fairer Hull
- Reaching our potential
- Economic growth that works for all
- Responding to the climate and nature emergency
- Our culture, our heritage, our city
People came away recognising that Hull Community Fund is a collective fund and is all about growth. Becoming a part of it, donating into the fund, empowers vital charities and community organisations to continue their essential work year after year.
The launch was generously sponsored by Titan Private Wealth and CCLA Investment Management. They helped create a joyous celebration fostering community investment and bringing people together.
