Secret World Wildlife Rescue Centre in East Huntspill is among nine Somerset charities that have received donations as part of Ecclesiastical Insurance Group’s ‘Movement for Good Awards’.
For the third year running, Ecclesiastical Insurance Group is giving away £1million to charities through its Movement for Good awards. Members of the public were invited to nominate causes close to their hearts, with 500 awards of £1,000 available for donation across the UK.
St Margaret’s Somerset Hospice, Secret World Wildlife Rescue Centre, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Charity, Ben Saunders Foundation, Slide Away, St Giles Animal Rescue, Royal Osteoporosis Society, Henton Village Hall and St Petrock’s Timberscombe are the Somerset charities set to benefit from the money, following overwhelming public support in the county.
More than 3,900 kind-hearted residents voted for charities across the county. In total, more than 210,000 people around the UK supported the Movement for Good awards, with over 13,000 charitable causes up and down the country receiving votes. The 500 winning charities were picked at random from those nominated.
Amazingly, a huge 89% of those who nominated a charity said they’ve donated the same amount or more during the past year, showing just how kind-hearted Somerset residents are despite challenges posed by the COVID pandemic. Additionally, 47% said they are more likely to support a local charity than a national one, as the country emerges from lockdown.
It’s perhaps no surprise that health causes topped the list with the most nominations, while community and animal and wildlife charities were also front of mind as popular choices.
A spokesperson for Secret World Wildlife Rescue Centre says: “We are very pleased to announce that we have been selected for a prize of £1,000 from the Ecclesiastical Insurance ‘Movement for Good’ awards!”
“You all helped us out by nominating us and we are so thrilled to be among the 500 charities who win receive this grant. £1,000 will help us feed and treat a lot of an animals and it’s all down to our supporters voting and sharing our appeal.”
Thanking supporters in Somerset, Mark Hews, Group Chief Executive at Ecclesiastical Insurance Group, says: “We have seen an overwhelming public response to our Movement for Good awards for a third year in a row and I would like to thank every single person who took the time to nominate a good cause.”
“It’s clear that people care deeply about those in need in their region during what has been an incredibly testing time for many.”
“We know that £1,000 can make a huge difference to the incredible work that charities do and we’re looking forward to seeing how this financial boost will change lives for the better.”
“Ecclesiastical, the fourth largest corporate donor in the UK, is a unique financial services group. We are owned by a charity which means all available profits can be given to the good causes that are so important to our customers. As a company whose purpose is to contribute to the greater good of society, charitable giving is at the heart of our business.”
Later this summer, a further 30 charities will also be chosen by a panel of judges to receive £10,000 from Ecclesiastical Insurance Group to be put towards the advancement of heritage and arts, education, rural and community, climate, human rights and equality. What’s more, two charities will benefit from an additional £50,000 each and another will receive a life changing £100,000 award.
For more information about the Movement for Good awards and for a full list of the winning charities, visit: www.movementforgood.com
