York Cares, an independent employee volunteering charity in York, is launching a £20,000 fundraising campaign.
Running throughout the whole of 2025, it will include many community events, such as the York Dragon Boat Race, the Yorkshire Marathon Relay.
Their long-standing charity manager, Holly Hennell, will also take on a series of physical and endurance challenges as part of the campaign.
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Over the two decades, its volunteers have mobilised more than 25,000 employee volunteers in order to tackle key social challenges. These range from environmental causes, such as improving green spaces, to social challenges, such as raising aspirations in young people and reducing loneliness.
The charity operates through a model of employer-supported volunteering, where member organisations can give their employees paid time off to volunteer. This allows them to give back to the community, whilst developing their own skills and deepening their connection to York as a city, at the same time. York Cares matches the skills and expertise of employers and their employees to community projects, where they can have the most impact.
York Cares also leads-city wide campaigns. Their work is split into four categories: Environment and Sustainability, Aspirations, Social Connections, and Campaigns and Events.
It also organises opportunities for younger and older people to share time together, with the aim of improving people’s connections and sense of belonging, and thereby wellbeing.
The charity also runs collection campaigns to support causes across York, including work wardrobe, where professional clothing is collected and donated to students to remove barriers to employment, seasonal collections, and Christmas collections.
Speaking on their 20th anniversary campaign, Holly Hennell said: “As we celebrate 20 years of York Cares, we’re proud of everything that’s been achieved thanks to the passion and commitment of our volunteers and partners.
“We believe this anniversary is not only a time to reflect, but also to look ahead- to build on our legacy and grow our impact. Our £20,000 fundraising campaign is a call to everyone who believes in the power of volunteering and partnership.”
As of 7th June, York Cares already raised over £3,000 of its £20,000 fundraising target.
Featured image via Instagram @yorkcares
