Story added: 28th November 2023

Thanking Week Summary

Last week saw the Foundation’s Thanking Week take place – a development from the previous Thanking Day hosted at the end of each year. We wanted to take the time to thank everyone involved in the charity in 2023, making sure the brilliant workers and volunteers gain the recognition that they deserve.

This year the Community Sports Foundation has continued to grow and thrive, supplying an array of brilliant programmes and resources to hundreds of people across Norfolk. Much of this work wouldn’t be possible without the help and support of so many people, from the coaches to the fundraisers to the trustees.

As a result, Thanking Day became Thanking Week, where the Foundation decided to dedicate the week’s social media posts to thanking people for their continued support throughout 2023, assigning a day’s posts to each group of Foundation superstars. We also took time to write postcards and make phone calls to this years difference makers, making sure they knew just how much their efforts are appreciated .

On the Monday, the thanking was geared towards the hard work of the fantastic funders and fundraisers, with special shoutouts given to the regular donations from those involved in the City Giving scheme and to the participants in Run Norwich who chose to fundraise for the Foundation in this year’s race. There were also mentions to the funding from the Premier League and EFL, who’s donations help us to expand and improve our work in order to reach more people.

The following day saw us recognise the dedication to our programmes from our participants, and how their unwavering commitment makes the hard work put into running our programmes worthwhile. Our participants range in age and ability across numerous programmes and schemes, but all participate with a smile on their face. Tuesday also saw the Foundation recognise the impact of the supporters at our events and how important their presence is to our participants, cheering them on whatever the weather!

On Wednesday, we offered our appraisals to all the volunteers who support us throughout the calendar year. The Foundation relies heavily on assistance from volunteers at a lot of our bigger events, such as Run Norwich, which sees people turn up in epic numbers, all willing to lend a hand. As a token of our gratitude, we welcomed Norwich City FC first-team kit men to Duncan’s Club to gift the amazing volunteers with signed shirts. We also took the time to recognise some of the individual perseverance of some of our volunteers, including Alex Fearne, and all the brilliant work he has been doing at The Nest garden and vegetable patch.

Wednesday also saw the first edition of the charities’ ‘Friends of the Foundation’ event, where we welcomed some of our partners, sponsors and supporters to The Nest for the opportunity to interact with one another and learn of their impact at The Foundation.

Thursday saw a day dedicated to thanking the trustees and staff at the Foundation and the hours of tireless work they put into making sure the charity continues to thrive and prosper. There was a nod to the excellent fundraising efforts from the staff who had gone ‘a step above’ to raise money this year and also to the continued support and backing of chairman Jake Humphrey and the team of Foundation trustees. Zoe Webber’s appearance at the 15^th anniversary of Extra Time was also highlighted, as she took the time to visit the participants and answer any questions, before joining them for a cup of tea and some celebratory cake.

Thanking Week was concluded with a day dedicated to thanking the Foundation’s partners and sponsors, whose relentless support has provided a positive impact throughout the calendar year. In October, sponsors Tarmac provided some of our Football & Education students with an exciting insight into the ongoing construction developments at Heartsease roundabout, discussing the potential of a career in construction with the young academics.

Thanking Week was the perfect opportunity for the Community Sports Foundation to give something back to its supporters. Every single person has gone above and beyond and we couldn’t have done it without you. Here’s to 2024!