Latest News
Christmas Appeal 2024
The VAR Christmas Appeal will ensure that as many of the vulnerable, elderly, and young people in need in our rural community get a gift, assistance, or help this Christmas. With a cost of living, fuel, and inflation crisis ongoing, it has never been more important to help the most vulnerable in our communities. This year, the Christmas pinch will be felt very hard indeed for some families. The VAR Christmas Appeal is looking to raise funds to ensure that families with the least, be they young or old have gifts, food, and warmth for themselves/families. We will fundraise and take donations of: Food, clothing, vouchers, and toys for those in need. We will ensure that those most in need receive the donations in the run-up to Christmas 2024.
VAR & RCC Partnership to provide SEN School Transport
In a new move for VAR, we have started to work more closely with Rutland County Council to provide much needed school transportation. The county has always struggled with a poor transport infrastructure and the school run is no different. From September 2023, VAR will be providing transport to school children in parts of the county where there is a real need.
We are really excited about this next step as it continues our role supporting our rural community, alleviates some of the pressure on the Council and also gives VAR an opportunity to become more sustainable as we look towards the next 40 years…
VAR appoints new CEO
Following the retirement of Lyndsay after more than 17 years of service to both VAR and the wider voluntary sector in Rutland, the charity has appointed Tom Walters as its new Chief Executive. Tom joins VAR with a recent history of working with Charities and Community Groups in Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland and is passionate and committed to help Voluntary Action Rutland move and evolve into its new role within the county.
Tom is already throwing himself into working life in the county, joining boards, committees and continuing to serve both VAR and the wider needs of our rural community. You can email Tom directly at ceo@varutland.org.uk