September 1, 2022

These days it seems that the calendar is full of charity or awareness days, weeks and months.

Events such as Youth Mental Health Day (19 September) and National Stress awareness Day (2 November); Carers’ Week (6-12 June) and Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June); Alzheimer’s Month (September) and Black History Month (October). The list is endless – there is even a National Hot Dog Day (10 September) although I must admit I did not find this on any charity days websites – and more are being added to the calendar each year.

In general, the aim of these days is to provide a focus for action, a reminder, an opportunity to raise (political and social) awareness, to mobilise people in aid of a cause, to empower people to make a difference through volunteering and other philanthropic activities whether that involves raising money by running a marathon or organising a coffee morning where people can meet others and access support.

These days, weeks, months are very successful, providing local, regional and national charities with an avenue to build support for their cause, to fundraise, to recruit new volunteers, to promote their services to those most in need, to share their success stories and to thank their supporters.

Upon reflection, these are activities that charities undertake on a daily basis – but without the promotional bells and whistles. This promotional opportunity, however, provides an extremely valuable platform to increase awareness, build support and raise funds which for many is essential/critical and may mean the difference between surviving and thriving or not.

The Third Sector in Cumbria is key for the delivery of essential services – either individually or in partnership with other organisations and sectors – and so it is important that we continue to recognise them as such and support them when they fly their flag on charity days… or any other day.

 

Alison Phillips
Operations Manager
Cumbria CVS