On Friday 28th March, guests gathered in the beautiful woodland setting of The Cart Shed for a special event celebrating the impact of George’s Fund. The day offered a unique opportunity to connect with the incredible projects that have received support and hear first-hand how funding has made a difference.

The morning began with warm drinks and cake by the fire, followed by a welcome from Laura Hughes founder of George’s Fund and Bridie Sullivan CEO from Herefordshire Community Foundation. Representatives from funded organisations shared their experiences, highlighting the difference their work is making across the region.

Attendees then took part in hands-on activities, including making willow stars, offering a chance to engage with the projects in a meaningful way. Lunch was served outdoors, with plenty of time to explore the site and meet The Cart Shed team. It was a great opportunity for people to chat about the different projects and for the various charities to connect.

To help showcase the projects, a series of information boards were placed around the woods, telling the stories of the organisations George’s Fund has supported. The day wrapped up with a reminder of the importance of continued support for these vital initiatives.

Guests left with stories to tell, willow stars and more, including a copy of George’s Fund Round One Report, which illustrates the brilliant projects carried out from the first round of funding. Read the report here.

Laura Hughes would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who joined and contributed, “It was especially meaningful for family and friends to see where donations and money raised have gone, making the impact feel even more tangible – your support is what makes all of this possible!”

Bridie Sullivan, CEO Herefordshire Community Foundation said, “There was lots of brilliant networking on the day, with many of the projects getting to know one another for the first time. This was an opportunity for Laura to showcase the many wonderful projects that George’s Fund has supported and for donors and supporters to appreciate the impact these had on children in Herefordshire.”

Guests were keen to share how marvellous the day in the woods with George’s Fund was.

“Thank you Laura for such a wonderful day today celebrating George’s Fund. It was truly special, and lovely to spend the day in the woods meeting fellow projects and your family and friends who have made this fund happen. For me personally it was also fantastic to FINALLY get to the Cart Shed and see the wonderful work that they do.  You really are such a superstar for creating this fund, George I am sure would be incredibly proud of his awesome Mummy.” Louisa Foti, Growing Local CIC

“I think all the projects really appreciated meeting with and hearing about all the other initiatives going on around the County – something that so rarely, if ever, happens. Thank you for being so supportive of The Cart Shed too – we really appreciate everything you do.” Katie Eastaugh, The Cart Shed

“A wonderful day highlighting how charities work so well together, the amazing volunteers and how important the outdoors are for all ages.” Sheenagh Davis, Panel member for George’s Fund and textile artist.

“I just wanted to say thank you for the Day in the Woods last week. It was wonderful to meet the fundraisers and the other organisations that have received funding and celebrate all that George’s fund has given Herefordshire children. It has been a real joy delivering the Georges Fund courses at Longtown, they have given so much to everyone involved.” Sara, Longtown Outdoor

We all look forward to discovering how current and future George’s Fund projects make meaningful and lasting impressions on children in Herefordshire.