Ecclesiastical launches the Movement for Good awards 2020 - giving £1million to charities in need

Specialist insurer Ecclesiastical is giving away another £1million to charities with the return of its Movement for Good awards.

In 2019 more than 2,300 kind-hearted Devon residents voted for over 140 charities across the region.

Last year saw an amazing 98,000 people around the UK support the Movement for Good awards in total, with over 7,000 charitable causes up and down the country receiving votes. The 500 winning charities were picked at random from those nominated.

This year 500 more charities will each receive £1,000 during the first phase of the campaign, which launches today. A second phase of giving will happen later this summer.

This is an extremely challenging time for charities, and many are struggling with the unprecedented impact of coronavirus. Members of the public are once again being encouraged to nominate a cause close to their hearts for a potential £1,000 award to help make a difference.

The Pack Project in Bideford, Chardstock Community Hall Trust in Axminster and Nowzad based in Tiverton were among the local beneficiaries in 2019, following overwhelming public support in the county.

A representative from Chardstock Community Hall Trust stated: “Chardstock Community Hall Trust wish to express their sincere thanks for the generous donation of £1,000. Ageing village halls need constant updating and renovation to make them fit to serve the local community, but they are a vital part of rural village life. This may not seem the most glamorous of projects, but the result of our refurbishments has been appreciated by very many villagers and visitors alike. Thank you to everyone who supported our application. It has indeed made a big difference.”

The nomination process is open until 24 May. Winners will be drawn at random and the more times a charity is nominated the more chance it has of being selected.

It’s quick and easy to nominate, you can vote for your favourite charity online at: www.movementforgood.com

Mark Hews, Group CEO of Ecclesiastical, says: “We’re delighted to announce the launch of Ecclesiastical’s Movement for Good awards for the second year running. The coronavirus is having a major impact on charities and many are facing financial difficulties. Our Movement for Good awards will continue to help charities at a time when they need it most and we know that for many charities, £1,000 can make a real difference.

“We were thrilled to receive so many nominations from the public last year and this year we are encouraging even more people to nominate a good cause. Ecclesiastical is a unique financial services group. We are owned by a charity which means all available profits can be given to the good causes that are so important to our customers. As a company whose purpose is to contribute to the greater good of society, charitable giving is at the heart of our business.”