Words by Kate Wild
Despite, or possibly because of, the high levels of deprivation and poverty in the county, Cornwall has a strong heritage of volunteering. Estimated numbers of volunteers vary between 25% and 32% of the local population; whatever, it is undisputed that Cornwall is amongst the top volunteering counties in the UK. And the need for our volunteering help has never been more urgent. With over a quarter of the Cornish population earning under the living wage, Cornwall remains one of the 10 poorest regions in Europe. Yet average cost of heating homes in the county is around 20% higher than the rest of the country and demands on our foodbanks are increasing at a frightening rate.
The Cornwall Christmas Fair, is a prime example of best-in-class volunteering. For two days every November (this year 27th to 28th November), The Eden Project plays twinkly host to a glorious array of Christmas gifts, food, drink, home accessories, fashion, jewellery, and toys Organised by a team of volunteers and supported by a generous spread of sponsors, all funds raised go directly to support Cornwall’s struggling communities through the Cornwall Community Foundation. Another project I am involved with is Young & Talented Cornwall, The Lord Lieutenant’s Fund. Again, driven by a team of volunteers, the fund aims to ensure that talented young people from Cornwall are given the opportunity to succeed, regardless of financial need or physical or family challenges. Since 2005 over £450k has been handed out to 380 plus recipients.
It is crucial that we recognise our dedicated and quietly hard-working volunteers and I urge you all to consider local groups to nominate for a King’s Award for Voluntary Service. Equivalent to an MBE, this is awarded for life and has been shining a light on the work of voluntary groups for many years. I am privileged to co-chair the nomination and local assessment process and see at first hand the game-changing work being carried out by volunteers across Cornwall.
As a proud B Corp, a strong sense of purpose sits at the heart of Wild Card. Pro bono consultancy is provided to the Christmas Fair and Young & Talented Cornwall and our team are given purpose days to support foodbanks, beach cleans and provide mentoring support. At a national level we support Business Declares, a network of businesses taking purposeful action to reach carbon neutrality. Thank you, Cornwall!
Kate Wild is the founder of Wild Card, a communications consultancy with offices in Truro, Bristol and London. She is a Deputy Lieutenant and former High Sheriff of Cornwall.