So many good causes all nominated for awards

The first Kent Charity Awards are on course to be a huge success, with nominations for deserving causes flooding in from across the county.

The awards, backed by KM Group, aim to showcase the work of charities and voluntary groups and will culminate in a gala awards evening for 12 finalists in March 2015.

The latest charities entered include: SNAAP (Special Needs Advisory & Activities Project) Herne Bay-based SNAAP has worked tirelessly for the past 11 years helping to improve the quality of life of disabled children and young people. It provides support, advice and successfully runs activities such as family days out and youth holiday schemes as well as regular after-school clubs. Lord Whisky Sanctuary Fund The Lord Whisky Sanctuary Fund is a lifeline for animals of all kinds. It provides sanctuary to animals who have become homeless or who have been injured or abused. No animal accepted into the sanctuary, in Stelling Minnis, is ever put to sleep unless it is in the animal’s best interest. The sanctuary is finding an increased amount of animals left abandoned at the sanctuary gates, often in the middle of the night, causing extra strain on funds. Oasis Domestic Abuse Service Founded in 1994, Oasis is a registered charity providing temporary and safe refuge accommodation and 24-hour accessibility for families escaping domestic abuse. Operating primarily in the Thanet region, an area of high deprivation, the charity’s staff are passionate and dedicated to ensure that women, men, young people and children who are victims of domestic abuse are supported and brought to safety. National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) Whistable National Coastwatch is part of a national charity that keeps a watch on the coastline around England and Wales. It has approximately 31 uniformed volunteers working three days a week, but is keen to increase this to seven days a week which would make them available as part of search and rescue teams. During the summer holidays, NCI lengthens its watch duties, providing a greater level of safety to visitors. Woodpeckers pre-school Cranbrook-based Woodpeckers pre-school is a non-profit organisation providing care to 44 children.

The children at Woodpeckers are cared for by five members of staff, all committed to making each day memorable for the child.

Vital fundraising events are held throughout the year with all proceeds going toward daily running costs and larger projects such as updating the facilities. As well as KM Group, the awards are sponsored by Furley Page, Kent County Council, Reeves Accountants, Medway Council, Mid Kent College, Southern Water, Diggerland and KentReliance.

Entering the awards is a great way for good causes to gain exposure, increase stakeholder funding and can also be great for staff morale.

If you think that your good cause deserves recognition fill in the entry form at www. kentcharityawards.com or at www.kmcharityteam. co.uk. If you are applying to be KMCharity of the Year you will automatically be entered into the Kent Charity Awards and vice-versa. This gives you two opportunities to have your good work recognised across the county.