This year we will be riding to try and raise funds for Love Kingston that focuses on local community initiatives.
Love Kingston is a project of Kingston Voluntary Action. They work to support communities in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, now and in the future. They are one of only two boroughs in Greater London not to have a borough fund, so Love Kingston are looking to pass on a stronger Kingston for future generations.
All the money donated to Love Kingston stays local. 70% is invested into the legacy fund for future giving - 20% is gifted to supporting vulnerable, local charitable groups and 10% is used for core funding.
Being connected to where we live, work and learn creates healthy and happy communities. Sadly too many residents in our rapidly growing, ageing and diversifying borough are isolated from both people and place. Losing loved ones, language barriers, and mental health are just some of the challenges local people face. Our grant making has recently supported projects tackling isolation and encouraging integration, including; LGBT Forum, The Vintage Banquet, Refugee Action Kingston and Express CIC.
The Vintage Banquet is a lunchtime activity club for elderly residents in the borough. Our grant making has not only afforded a day trip for the elderly but helped to provide a regular hot meal and cup of tea to those who sometimes feel alone. As one guest put it; 'In the cold and grey winter when feeling alone, I think about Vintage Banquet and suddenly the sadness is gone.'
So please, donate all you can to support this great effort!
Thank you for reading.