VOLUNTEERS who give their time to community groups in Hampshire attended a celebratory evening.

Hosted by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation, the event at Winchester Science Centre saw more than 200 guests gather to celebrate £5 million of charitable giving to various organisations and community groups in the two counties.

Amongst those at the reception were Catherine Waters-Clark from Basingstoke charity Inspero and Rebecca Kennelly, CEO of Basingstoke Voluntary Action.

Janette Hewitt, vice chair of Home-Start North West Hampshire, based in Cliddesden Road, Basingstoke, said: “The funding from HIWCF has provided invaluable support for our volunteers, enabling them to work with families that have multiple problems and need preventative support to develop parenting and life skills, build confidence, and turn their lives around.

“This financial help has assisted a number of families to reduce the risk of further high cost intervention being put in place and provide a journey of change.”

Tom Floyd, chairman of HIWCF, said: “We’re delighted to be celebrating the inspiring and motivating work of so many charitable organisations in Hampshire.”

He explained: “We have worked hard to provide the £5 million. However, these organisations, many volunteer-led, are at the heart of our communities and without them so many people within our county would be struggling. Despite all the wonderful work we have achieved we still need more support for some of the important projects happening in our communities, so if you would like to assist our smaller lesser known community groups then I would encourage you to get in touch.”

HIWCF is an independent charitable foundation dedicated to connecting donors with the local causes and charities they care about.