At its annual Community Chest Awards in January, local family brewer Hall & Woodhouse (H&W) announced the successful recipients of grants totalling more than £27,000. The funding is part of a wider £55,000 being donated to other counties where H&W operates, which is the highest sum since the Community Chest initiative began in 2002 – here in Dorset more than 20 grants were mad.
Organisations providing support to people with disabilities and groups offering guidance, training, and career advice all received a share of the funds that H&W set aside for the initiative.
Mark Woodhouse, family director of H&W, said: ‘We never cease to be amazed by the tremendous good that organisations can do for their communities and are honoured to help continue their hard work. It’s all about providing access to funding for small, local, volunteer-led and trustworthy organisations that make a real difference.
‘It’s always a privilege to meet the people behind the organisations making such a positive change. Already, I very much look forward to launching the Community Chest again in the spring.”
One recipient, Weymouth Foodbank, operates from four locations across Weymouth, providing local people with essential groceries and hygienic equipment. In 2023, it fed more than 14,000 people, a 56% increase from 2022. The funding provided by Hall & Woodhouse, totalling £2,700, will cover the purchase of milk, cheese, and eggs for a whole month.
Dorset-based charity Countrymen UK helps individuals experiencing isolation due to physical or mental deterioration. The charity provides activities and workshops based around creativity and movement, while encouraging members to build strong support relationships. H&W provided £1,000 to help fund running costs and activities.
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