The Genesis Trust, the charity helping socially vulnerable people in Bath, has been voted Charity of the Year for 2012/13 by the members of the Bath Business Women’s Association (BBWA).
BBWA chair Julie Cooper said: “Each year our members vote for a new local charity to raise funds for. So we were thrilled that this year the Genesis Trust came out on top. It has been working in the city for a number of years and, as with many other charities, needs support for the valuable work it does.
“The Bath Business Women will certainly be giving as much support as we can over the coming months.”
Among the groups helped by the Genesis Trust are the homeless, the low paid, the long-term unemployed, people with addictions and those with enduring mental health problems.
Laure Gray, the Genesis Trust representative on the BBWA and the Wood Works shop manager, has been an active member of the group for several years.
She said: “Genesis is at the heart of the city, meeting the needs of those who are vulnerable, long-term unemployed or homeless. This award is a recognition of the work we do through our nine projects across the city.”
The Wood Works project is soon to mark its seventh birthday. It helps local long-term unemployed people with complex problems to receive training in furniture restoration and making, upholstery and chair caning. The restored furniture is then sold with other donated items in the Wood Works shop on James St West with proceeds going back into the project.
The BBWA provides a friendly and supportive environment for local business and professional women. It holds a monthly networking event, hosted each time at a different venue in central Bath. Other events are also organised from time to time for its 160-plus members from around the region.
For more information about the Wood Works shop, email laure@genesistrust.org.uk or phone 01225 429617. The shop is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm.
