CHRISTMAS has come early for local voluntary groups thanks to We Love Lichfield.
The annual festive giveaway event saw more than £40,000 distributed to 40 organisations.
It also saw We Love Lichfield pass a milestone as it made its 500th award since it formed a decade ago.
The George Hotel event also saw donations made by local businesses, including Arthur Price and Richard Winterton Auctioneers, while children from Lichfield Cathedral School also handed over £445 from a term of fundraising activities.
There was also an award for Lichfield Live and The Lichfield and Burntwood Independent who were received the We Love Lichfield 2025 Community Champion Award.
Joanne Grange from Lichfield Community Media CIC – publishers of Lichfield Live and The Lichfield and Burntwood Independent – received the award. She said:
“I am delighted to accept this award on behalf of the team. We are a group of volunteers who believe it’s important to keep people across the district informed.
“Started 20 years ago by Ross Hawkes, the Lichfield Blog as it was called back then, is now the amazing Lichfield Live site – and our newspaper, The Lichfield and Burntwood Independent, is going from strength to strength with plans to increase circulation next year.
“We are passionate about news – good and bad – and about supporting local organisations, so we regularly showcase the amazing work We Love Lichfield does.
“It’s heartwarming to be recognised by them and it gives us a boost to continue with the work we do.”
Since it started over a decade ago, We Love Lichfield has given away £462,000 in 500 awards to 237 recipients.
Patron Simon Price said:
“It’s been a tough year for many, so we are delighted to continue to make a difference across the district.
“We’d also like to thank the businesses and organisations who support us.
For more information on how to donate or how to apply for a grant, visit www.welovelichfield.com.
