‘Looking after your own’ and helping neighbours in the place we all call home

Tim Hodgson, Managing Director of Westcourt Group, has supported Leeds Community Foundation for 18 years. As the second member to sign up to the organisation’s pivotal 100 Club – now known as Membership – here he reflects back on his time getting behind the Foundation.

“In my view, Leeds Community Foundation is a powerful conduit which helps so many organisations doing great work to help thousands of individuals across the region.  

There are large swathes of the city where people are living in extreme poverty and the difference in life expectancy can be as much as 12 years depending on postcodes. Supporting the Foundation is about ‘looking after your own’ – helping neighbours in the place we all call home.   

As well as giving to the Foundation via Membership annually, my family has also donated to The Leeds Fund, which specifically deals with issues close to our hearts. We have a young family and the money that we’ve given over the years has gone towards children needing help; whether that’s with food or wellbeing initiatives for example.  

People in fortunate circumstances can give as much or as little as they can to a fund, knowing that the grants given out via Leeds Community Foundation connect directly to people who need it most. It’s an organisation which provides a pathway to charities, organisations and individuals on our doorstep in Leeds.“

Reflecting on the tough economic climate people have faced over the last few years

“World events have unfortunately caused deeper divides and longer term issues in communities that have found it the toughest. Loneliness is a ‘silent’ illness that people don’t always know about which is impacting people right on their doorstep. The Foundation ploughs money and support in the right ways to address long-term problems such as this – helping prevent these really critical issues is the key.

Giving annually to a charity isn’t about the recognition but very much about making a difference based on his personal circumstances. If anybody in Leeds is in a position to help other people of Leeds, then this is the way to do that. It’s the safest pair of hands.”