‘Bowled over’ by so many groups who help others

The organisers of the first Kent Charity Awards say they have been ‘bowled over’ by the number and quality of entries. The awards, backed by KM Group, attracted more than 140 nominations, and these will now be whittled down to a shortlist of 18.

Spokeswoman Sarah Macdonald said: “With so many entries the judges certainly have a tough task on reducing this down to the final shortlist that will be invited along to the gala evening.”

Among those nominated are: Rotary Children's Hospice Family Holidays Every year six families from Demelza and Chyps Children's Hospices are taken to Disneyland Paris by this charity. Each family is accompanied by a member of the area hospice team and a Rotarian. These holidays create memories for a lifetime for the families. South East Dog Rescue They take in unwanted or abandoned dogs and rehome them, specialising in animals that others have given up on due to either medical or behavioural issues. The Freedom Centre The centre works with disabled people and encourages and helps them live a full life through broad range of social activities. From gliding to dinners, art and craft to computer skills, the Freedom Centre has proved to be a valuable and necessary part of the life of those who attend. Voluntary Action Maidstone VAM was established in 1975 to recruit and place volunteers. Since then, it has developed to work with voluntary, community, statutory and public sector organisations. Teddybears Biker Picnic This is a two day music festival with all the proceeds donated to Kent Air Ambulance. Everyone involved donates their time and skill on a voluntary basis. Thanet Community Transport This charity helps elderly and disabled people who are unable to use public transport to get out and about. It was created in 1999 with just one minibus and now has 11 vehicles undertaking over 40,000 journeys. The Canterbury Umbrella A centre that provides information, social support for adults with mental health issues. Anyone who is feeling isolated or lonely can access the support it offers. Age UK Whitstable Age UK’s primary objective is to promote and support the welfare of all older people within Whitstable and the surrounding areas. They provide a wide range of services at both their day centre and out in the community. New Leaf Support This charity was set up to help women and children who have suffered domestic abuse. They provide refuge space in a homely self-contained flat giving victims valuable space to build a new life away from abuse. Ashford Charity Funds The fund works along-side registered charities by putting on events to help raise money. Their most recent event was a charity football match held at Gallagher Stadium in Maidstone where they raised £5,500 to be shared between the Heart of Kent Hospice and The Pilgrims Hospice. More entrants will be featured in next week’s paper and the shortlist will be published in January 2015. In addition to the KM, other sponsors are Kent County Council, Furley Page solicitors, Medway Council, Reeves, Mid Kent College, Kent Reliance, Diggerland and Southern Water.