UK
Give a Gift Charity Honored with King’s Award for Exceptional Service. Described by the Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Mr. Ed Anderson CBE, as ‘the small charity packing a massive punch,’ . Give a Gift has been bestowed the prestigious King’s Award. It is equivalent to an MBE, in recognition of its outstanding contributions to the community.
The event, was held at Leeds Golf Club on Sunday, April 28th, was attended by 100 dignitaries and guests. They had gathered to commemorate Give a Gift’s remarkable achievement. Among them were esteemed dignitaries, funders, supporters, and over fifty dedicated volunteers, all of whom played a crucial role in the charity’s success.
Presenting the award to Give a Gift, the Lord Lieutenant applauded the charity’s tireless efforts and impactful initiatives in supporting refugees, asylum seekers, and those living in poverty. The accolade was met with pride and appreciation from attendees, underscoring the charity’s invaluable role in the community.
In a heartfelt address, Charity Director Rifhat Malik MBE expressed delight at receiving the award. She attributed it to the dedication and tireless efforts of the organization’s team, volunteers, and supporters. She emphasized that the recognition would further inspire them to continue their mission of making a positive impact on disadvantaged communities.
The event provided a platform not only for celebration but also for expressing gratitude to generous funders and volunteers whose unwavering support has enabled Give a Gift to expand its reach and impact.
Volunteers ranging from young Eliza to seasoned Jenny shared their pride in supporting the organization’s work and helping those less fortunate. Brother and sister duo Eisa and Annie reflected on their journey with Give a Gift, highlighting the organization’s role in teaching compassion and fostering a sense of community responsibility.
Honoring Exceptional Service
Councillor Abigail Marshall-Katung, the Lord Mayor-elect for Leeds, commended the charity for its efforts in tackling poverty locally and making Leeds a better place for those in need.
Reflecting on the significance of the award, Rifhat remarked that it not only recognized past accomplishments but also underscored the organization’s ongoing commitment to serving those in need and working towards a brighter, more inclusive future.
The Journey
Founded in 2013, Give a Gift has raised over £200,000 and delivered over £500,000 worth of food and essential packages to vulnerable individuals and families across West Yorkshire. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the charity’s dedicated volunteers distributed thousands of essential care packages to vulnerable families and individuals in Leeds.
In 2022, Give a Gift launched the country’s first culturally-appropriate food bank, the ‘Culture Hub,’ catering to the diverse needs of different communities. The hub supports over 1000 beneficiaries a week with food packages, exemplifying the charity’s commitment to inclusivity and community support.
For those interested in getting involved, visit https://giveagift.org.uk and become a part of Give a Gift’s impactful work in the community.
