York Cares celebrates 20th anniversary

A York charity is marking its 20th anniversary with an ambitious £20,000 fundraising campaign.

York Cares, the independent employee-volunteering charity in the city, is celebrating two decades of bringing together local employers, employees, and community organisations to create lasting, positive change across York.

Since its launch in 2005 by the University of York, Aviva, and City of York Council, York Cares has grown into a thriving network of more than 30 employers.

Together, they have mobilised more than 25,000 employee-volunteers to tackle key social challenges, from reducing loneliness and improving green spaces to raising aspirations among young people.

To celebrate its 20th anniversary, York Cares has launched a £20,000 fundraising campaign to sustain and expand its work.

The campaign, running throughout 2025, includes community-driven events such as the York Dragon Boat Race, the Yorkshire Marathon Relay, and a series of physical and endurance challenges undertaken by long-standing charity manager Holly Hennell, who has led York Cares since 2016.

York Cares operates through a distinctive model of employer-supported volunteering. Employees from member organisations are given paid time off to volunteer, allowing them to give back to the community while developing their own skills and deepening their connection to the city.

Today, volunteers from York Cares’ member organisations make up more than a quarter of York’s workforce, a testament to the power of collaboration between business and community.

The charity’s work spans a variety of initiatives. The Aspirations programme helps young people reach their potential by introducing them to inspiring workplace role models.

Social Connections reduces loneliness, particularly among older residents, through intergenerational events like the much-loved Shimmer and Shine Christmas party. The Environment & Sustainability strand focuses on enhancing York’s green spaces through its annual Big Community Challenge and other hands-on conservation work and educational outreach.

York Cares also leads city-wide campaigns, including its annual Christmas Collection, which in 2024 supported 13 local charities with much-needed donated items.

Holly Hennell, charity manager, said: “As we celebrate 20 years of York Cares, we’re proud of everything that’s been achieved thanks to the passion and commitment of our volunteers and partners.

“We believe this anniversary is not only a time to reflect, but also to look ahead – to build on our legacy and grow our impact. Our £20,000 fundraising campaign is a call to everyone who believes in the power of volunteering and partnership.”

York Cares is encouraging more local employers to join its network and experience the mutual benefits of giving back to the community.

To learn more about how to get involved or to support the 20th Anniversary Campaign, visit www.yorkcares.co.uk.

To donate to the 20 for 20, visit the Celebrating 20 Years of York Cares campaign.

To donate to Holly’s York Cares’ 20th Anniversary Challenge visit here.