Well, I want to use my latest column to tell you about a major charity event happening soon, which I hope businesses in the Irish community will embrace with their usual passion and determination.

For the last two years, I have been proud to be the figurehead of the Mayor’s Giving Day, a simple and impactful initiative that strides to build a sense of pride and purpose in the region by showcasing existing charity work and encouraging us all to do a little extra.

Born from the Lord Mayor’s City Day in London, the event enables companies and employees to celebrate and showcase their philanthropic and volunteering achievements while encouraging others to get involved.

This year its back for a third year - but this time it’s Giving Month!

The Mayor's Giving Month begins on Tuesday 21 September 2021, giving businesses the opportunity to support local charities, community groups and good causes across Birmingham and the West Midlands.

And it’s not just about money and donations. Giving takes many different forms. As well as financial support, we give time and skills to those less fortunate, largely through charity intermediaries.

Even a small act, when multiplied by many of us, can make a big difference. This could be through financial donations to charities and community groups, or practical help by offering time and expertise.

The events of the last 16 months have been unprecedented, and I would like to thank the many charities and voluntary groups who have selflessly helped us get through these difficult times by working harder than ever to support vulnerable and isolated people.

We have seen throughout the pandemic that businesses are keen to volunteer and help their local communities by offering their skills, knowledge, expertise and time along with raising essential funds and donations.

Their generosity has been fantastic, and I have seen all kinds of examples of businesses going above and beyond to help people, from local shops delivering food to isolated individuals during lockdown to big businesses providing interview coaching for those who have found themselves out of work.

I look forward to us working with businesses of all sizes during the Giving Month and beyond, as the region starts to recover from the pandemic.

Whatever size of business you represent and whatever sector you operate in, our local good causes would welcome your support. There are some amazing and fun ideas for what you can do and how you can get involved in the Mayor's Giving Month, including virtual events for those working from home, so please register to find out more.

Businesses that would like to contribute to the Mayor’s Giving Month can sign up here: www.wmca.org.uk/who-we-are/meet-the-mayor/giving-month

Don’t forget to tag us on social media with your event photos/videos #WMGivingMonth21

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