The founder of a community project has vowed to continue to promote the message of being stronger together after it achieved charitable status.
Enoch Kanagaraj established One Vision in 2018 to provide practical support to individuals and families in need in the Watford district, and to promote networking and build partnerships with businesses and community organisations.
Last month that the organisation, which has been at the forefront of the town’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, had applied to become a charity and this has now been successful.
Mr Kanagaraj said: “I’m extremely grateful for the selfless work of our 100 volunteers, operations team, executive committee and trustees and patrons as they continue to bring people together during these difficult times, and for the invaluable contributions of our donators and community sponsors.
“One Vision will continue to work diligently in the community to promote the message of being ‘stronger together’ and to strive to gain positive outcomes from partnerships.”
Based at Stanborough Park Centre, in Garston, One Vision works with 52 charity partners, 22 schools and the Watford Interfaith Association.
In addition to these efforts, One Vision’s youth volunteers have successfully launched the Watford Youth Council.
There are many additional milestones reached by One Vision during the Covid-19 pandemic, which include supporting the community of Watford through the provision of:
- 100,000 hot meals (total)
- 4,000 weekly hot meals
- 20,000 food bags (total)
- 3.5 tons of food (total)
- Caring for more than 600 families
- Across all Watford postcodes
Volunteers have also successfully launched the Watford Youth Council and during the pandemic the new charity has strengthened its partnerships with local government, police and the fire service.
As well as continuing to help the community, the charity is also looking to develop a mental health hub. It has forged links with many experienced people and organisations that believe in working together to help people who are struggling with mental health issues.
Several high profile and influential figures in the community have agreed to become either trustees or patrons of the charity, including Watford MP Dean Russell and Hornets legend Luther Blissett.
Dean Russell, MP for Watford, commented “It’s been a pleasure to volunteer for One Vision each week throughout this year. I am so proud that they are now a registered charity and I am pleased and excited to be one of the trustees. I look forward to working with One Vision for the long term to make a real difference in Watford”.
