Yorkshire charity takes share of the spotlight

One of the highlights of the Business Awards is the Chamber’s charity of the Year award and this year was no exception, after Fare Share Yorkshire enjoyed a memorable evening not only landing the title of Charity of the Year, but also securing the Jelf Business Community Impact Award.

Founded in Barnsley in 1998, with the aim of redistributing surplus food to vital frontline organisations, the food charity now provides over 100 tonnes per month for 257 charities and community groups.

The £3,000 charity donation, provided by sponsor Fortem, will enable FareShare to equip people with essential cooking and budgeting skills while they train at the charity to gain employability skills.

Gareth Batty, Chief Executive said: “It is amazing for our Charity’s work to be recognised in this way. Our work often goes under the radar but it has a huge positive impact for hundreds of other charities and individuals across the county. Congratulations to all the nominees who all do fantastic work in this area to make it a special place to work and live.”

The judges said: “Once again, it was extremely hard to pick a “Charity of the Year” due to the amazing work of the shortlisted charities, all of whom should be extremely pleased with their contributions to our region.

“FareShare Yorkshire has demonstrated a culture of caring across the communities of Barnsley and Rotherham. The ethos is mirrors to their own volunteers who give their time to support local people.

“FareShare can now ‘take care of their own volunteers in return’ to widen their offering of support in education and life skills”.