The Link Foundation, a children’s charity committed to improving the lives of children and their families in Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, has been honoured with a Queens Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS) – the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK.
The Link Foundation is run entirely by volunteers meaning over 95 per cent of raised capital, and 98 per cent in 2020, goes straight to helping disadvantaged children in need through its healthcare, social services and school partner networks. The charity provides funding for beds, clothes, food, white goods, and anything else that underprivileged children need, many of whom are living with domestic violence, parental desertion, mental health issues, disability and illness. Everyone at the Link Foundation is dedicated to providing the basics that all children should take for granted.
This year, considering the hardship caused by the pandemic, the Link Foundation has been specifically selected by the QAVS to receive a special Covid-19 designation, in recognition of the impactful support they have provided to the community and the truly outstanding response of the Link Foundation volunteers throughout the pandemic.
In September 2021 The Link Foundation is also celebrating its 15th anniversary – in the time since launch, they have donated over £1.5 million for children from underprivileged backgrounds throughout Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.
The QAVS, also known as The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Volunteering Award, has been awarded to The Link Foundation for its exemplary volunteer work and community support, as is decided by a Specialist Assessment Panel of independent volunteering experts from across the UK.
The award is equivalent to an MBE and was first established by Queen Elizabeth II in 2002 and the charity will receive a certificate from the Queen and a domed glass crystal.
Una Loughrey, Founder and Chairman of The Link Foundation, commented:
“We are beyond thrilled to have been recognised by this award for the important work the Link Foundation has been committed to for the past 15 years in ensuring as many children as possible living in incredibly difficult circumstances are given a helping hand.
“Over the years the charity has provided support for struggling parents, helped neglected children, and supported vulnerable families regain a foothold on life, and we are very proud that this effort has been recognised by the most esteemed award in UK volunteering.
“The current world climate has caused even more social turmoil and struggles, but hopefully this award can bring more awareness to our cause and alert more families in difficult circumstances to the help available to them through The Link Foundation.”
If you would like to find out more about The Link Foundation, seek support, or donate money please visit their website: www.linkfoundation.co.uk, or contact: Nicola Ross at nicola@linkfoundation.co.uk
Alternatively, you can donate on justgiving.com/tlinkf