A new date has been set for the 2020 Kent Charity Awards.

Organisers have announced the ceremony will take place on May 20 next year at Maidstone’s Kent Event Centre.

It was due to be held back in June but was postponed due to the pandemic.

Charities which entered this year will be contacted and given the opportunity to try again.

They will also have the chance to answer additional questions on how they have coped over the past months during lockdown. Accountants Kreston Reeves sponsor the awards.

Partner Susan Robinson said: “The charity sector has risen to the challenge of the last six months, adapting quickly to continue supporting its beneficiaries, often against a backdrop of falling funds.

“There has been so much incredible work done and the awards are an opportunity to celebrate these achievements. Don’t keep it a secret, let us know and get your entries in.”

Last year’s awards saw Oasis Domestic Abuse Services named as the county’s Charity of the Year - bagging them a £1,000 prize. Organiser Sarah MacDonald said: “The past six months have been incredibly difficult for the sector and many charities have had to change the way they deliver their services.

“Volunteering has slowed during lockdown and trustees have had to put in new measures to keep their charities afloat.

“If you know of a volunteer or trustee who has gone that extra mile, please don’t forget to nominate them into the popular Volunteer and Trustee of the Year categories.

“The Kent Charity Awards was set up in 2015 to recognise and reward the hard work of charities, volunteers and trustees working in the county.

“Since then, they have gone from strength to strength and are now a firm date in the diaries of the sector.” This year, the law firm Brachers has decided to come on board as a sponsor.

Partner and head of the private client team, Christopher Eriksson-Lee, said: “Brachers is proud to sponsor the Kent Charity Awards and help recognise the unsung heroes – those who give back to the community and make the lives of others better.

“Charitable giving is an important part of what we do at Brachers, and we have long supported the community in which we have been part of for 125 years. Good luck to all those who enter the awards.” Potential candidates have until February 5 to enter.

The awards are sponsored by: Kreston Reeves; Diggerland; Brachers; Kent County Council; Medway Council; CC Works; Kent Community Foundation; AMEY; CAF Bank, Financial Advice & Services and KM Media Group

The KM is committed to helping the community through it's charity team.

For more information and to find out what other good causes you can get involved with, click here.

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