Why have one big winner, when you can have two?
That seemed to be the message from the SEIB Giving Virtual Awards, which saw voting tied. Two charities shared top spot – a staggering feat given there were more than 36,000 nominations for 1,300 charities – but neither were left disappointed to not be an outright winner. That’s because they were both granted £15,000.
Those winners were Bransby Horses Rescue and Welfare and Redwings Horse Sanctuary.
In addition, a further eight charities made it to the final voting stage and shared £20,500 between them. All were congratulated via video after the original SEIB Giving Awards in London were cancelled due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
“I am immensely proud of my company and our team have seamlessly ensured that each of the 10 shortlisted charities got their moment in the spotlight,” said SEIB CEO Barry Fehler. “Helping others is what SEIB is all about and I am delighted that we have been able to grant this money to such wonderful causes at this moment in time when it is so desperately needed.”
There was plenty to celebrate among the award winners. Trudie James, trustee and founder of Doris Banham Dog Rescue, which scooped best small charity and picked up a grant of £7,000, noted that money was a “real Godsend.”
“I would have loved to buy some kennels, but I will have to use it for running costs to keep our dogs safe during this virus period,” she said. “I have worked out that this money will pay three months kennel, care and retraining for 21 of our dogs during our survival period.”
Lynn Cutress (pictured left), Redwings’ chief executive expressed her own delight at the £15k award which would help support 1,500 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules.
“This news is also a very welcome boost for our teams right now who are working hard in challenging times to ensure our rescued residents still receive all the specialist care they need, so thank you to everyone who supported our application,” she said.
Other award winners included £5k to Hertfordshire-based Gaddesden Place Riding for the Disabled; £4k for the UK’s oldest horse charity, The Horse Trust; £2k for Once Upon A Smile; £1k for Hope Pastures; £1k for The Flicka Foundation; £250 for Hope Rescue and £250 for the South Essex Wildlife Hospital.
