Avonmouth Projects Group named Community Champions of 2021
The group will take home a £500 cash prize to fund future projects
A Bristol-based company has been named 'Community Group of the Year' by the Good Neighbourhood Awards.
Avonmouth Projects Group was presented with the award by neighbourhood network Nextdoor - which carries a £500 prize with it.
The group is made up of residents who provide community events and maintain year-round lighting in Avonmouth Park.
Their most popular event includes an annual Santa’s Sleigh Walk.
Last year volunteers travelled over 20 miles on foot, handing out almost 2,000 selection boxes to children in Avonmouth and the surrounding area whilst dressed up as festive characters.
Due to COVID complications last year, the project has found it more difficult than usual to raise funds - and with the number of people attending Santa’s Sleigh Walk growing each year, the £500 prize will go a long way to making sure demand is met.
Ian Smith - from Avonmouth Projects Group - said: "It’s amazing to get recognition for all the hard work that everybody does.
"It can feel challenging, it can feel draining sometimes, but every year we go out and there’s always one moment that stands out and you sit and think 'that’s why we do it'.
"We had a lady in her 90’s, normally self isolating in her own home - no one around - queue up to have her moment with Santa. That was a very special moment in the first year, and through the years different things happen and you just know, there’s purpose and meeting to what we do and how we do it."
Ian Smith - Avonmouth Projects Group
The project has also previously raised money to buy a community owned ice rink; they run a community radio station; and has recorded a Christmas single called 'The Avonmouth Christmas Donkey'.
Upcoming events for them include: a ghost hunt around Halloween, re-opening the ice skating rink and the sale of Christmas trees to raise money.
The group is still in need of volunteers throughout December, you can contact them here - or visit their website for more information.