News & Events

Community wishes food bank is now open!

Providing comfort, meals, & warmth to those in need

We are thrilled to introduce the Community Wishes Food Bank, a new program aimed at supporting individuals & families prioritizing support for elderly individuals impacted by the recent reductions in winter allowances.

If you or someone you know is struggling, feel free to stop by for help. Everyone is welcome here, & we provide vital food supplies in a friendly warm environment.

Our team is ready to provide hot meals, warm beverages, & friendly conversation ensuring that no one has to feel cold or hungry this winter.

A FRIENDLY WELCOME FOR PENSIONERS:

If you’re a pensioner, you are invited to visit our hub. We focus on ensuring you receive nutritious meals & a comfortable space to keep warm. Our caring staff is always on hand to assist & chat with you, so you won’t feel isolated.

We are located at:

41-43 Leicester Road, Wigston, LE18 1NR

Opening hours: Monday - Saturday 9:00am - 2:00pm

Please remember to bring a form of ID when you visit. Our services are available not only in Leicester but also in many areas across the UK, ensuring that no one is left behind.

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS:

To ensure the success of this food bank & to reach as many individuals as possible, we are actively looking for volunteers to join our team. If you’re enthusiastic about helping others & want to make a meaningful contribution to your community, we would be thrilled to hear from you. Whether it's distributing food, providing a warm smile, or assisting with operations, your support can truly make a difference.

GET INVOLVED:

If you’re interested in volunteering, please get in touch with us by visiting the address above or contacting us through our website or social media. We greatly appreciate any help, no matter how big or small.

No one should face the winter alone. Come by, stay warm, & let us help you. We look forward to seeing you!

we need your help!

We need YOUR help for Isla's Dream Garden

We are reaching out to you for help with our biggest wish to date. Isla a young girl who's story has reached our hearts. Isla's mum recently moved into a new home and despite limited resources, tried her best to create a safe outdoor space for her daughter. Unfortunately, the garden is in a state that needs much more than just a little TLC - it’s a massive job. But this isn’t just about fixing up a garden; it’s about creating a sanctuary for Isla.

Isla has mandibuloacral dysplasia, a rare condition that affects her bone and muscle growth. She is the only known person in the world with her specific genetic mutation, making her future uncertain. Despite the daily challenges she faces - constant pain in her hips and knees, difficulty with mobility, and the need for a tracheotomy - Isla remains a beacon of positivity. She’s always smiling, even when life feels overwhelming.

**Our Mission: Creating Isla’s Dream Garden and Winter Wonderland**

We want to transform Isla's garden into a space where she can safely play, relax, and enjoy time with her family. We also plan to convert the large shed at the back of the garden into a magical winter wonderland, complete with lights, decorations, and a cozy space for Isla to enjoy.

But we can't do this alone. We need your help!

**How You Can Help:**

**Volunteers Needed:** We need hands-on help with everything from gardening to painting and electrical work.

- **Materials:** If you know any builders’ yards or suppliers, please reach out to them on our behalf. We need materials to make this dream a reality.

- **Share the Word:** Even if you can’t help physically or with materials, you can still contribute. The more people who know about Isla's story, the more likely we are to get the help we need.

Let’s come together as a community and grant this wish for little Isla. Every bit of help counts, and together, we can create something truly special for her.

Our new office/coffee hub is officially open!

Friday 15th March 2024 marked the opening of our brand new office/coffee hub

Our journey started in a modest office in Glen Parva which has been our home & heart of operations. However, as our community & impact have expanded so too has our need for space - WE HAVE MOVED TO WIGSTON!

We are now located at 41-43 Leicester Road Wigston LE18 1NR

Our charity has launched a new coffee hub, our hub is a space where warmth meets innovation where every corner is infused with a sense of belonging. That's what we're bringing to life.

Our Staff will give you a warm welcome & is ready to answer any questions you might have about the charity's mission & initiatives. Join us for a moment of relaxation with a delicious, comforting drink in hand, accompanied by homemade cakes that tastes of heart & home. The Community Wishes (Leicester) hub is not just a place its a movement towards more inclusive connected & supportive community engagements.

BIG NEWS!

After three incredible years of growth and community support, we're thrilled to announce that community wishes is taking a significant leap forward! Our journey began in a modest office in Glen Parva, which has been our home and heart of operations. However, as our community and impact have expanded, so too has our need for space.

**We're Moving to Wigston!**

We're setting up a new home in Wigston - a space that will not only serve as our office but a vibrant community hub. It's a testament to the hard work of our team, the generosity of our donors, and the unwavering support of our community. Builders will be on-site next week to start the transformation, and we couldn't be more excited about what lies ahead.

**A Heartfelt Thank You**

This milestone couldn't have been achieved without the incredible support we've received. To everyone who has contributed to our journey - through donations, volunteering, or words of encouragement - we extend our deepest gratitude. Your generosity has been the cornerstone of our success.

**Join Our Next Chapter**

As we embark on this new chapter, we're reaching out to local businesses and individuals who would like to be part of our story. We're in need of specific items to complete our new space, which will include a podcast room, auction room, coffee station, and meeting rooms - all designed to foster community engagement and support our mission.

We're currently seeking donations of the following items:

- 26 x Sound Block / 2.4 Taper Edge Plasterboards
- 3 x Rolls 50mm Fibreglass
- 30 x 3x2 Planed Timber / PAR / 2.4m
- 2 x Door Liners 125mm for 1981x838x44 Solid Core Doors
- 16 x LM of 100mm Skirting
- 4 x Easy Fill and 1 x Fibre Scrim
- 1 x Ready Mixed Joint Cement
- 5x No Nails, 5 x Caulk, 1 x Box 42mm Dry Wall Screws, 75x4 Screws and Plugs
- Kitchen Units, Worktops, Base End Panels, Upstanding, Facing Panel, Chrome Pole and Rings
- Oak Veneer / Solid Core Doors with Vision Panel, Bulrace F30 Hinges, Lock Pack, Push and Pull, 2 x Door Closer F30, Emergency Exit Signage

Every contribution, no matter the size, will play a crucial role in bringing our new community hub to life.

**Let's Pull Together**

This is more than a move; it's a leap towards greater impact and deeper community connections. If your business or you personally can support us with any of the listed items, please get in touch. Together, we can create a space that embodies the spirit of our community and the essence of Community Wishes.

Exciting News Alert!

Community Wishes Leicester is embarking on a groundbreaking project that will change lives, and we want YOU to be part of this incredible journey!

Our biggest project yet is on the horizon, shrouded in mystery and filled with endless possibilities. We can't reveal all the details just yet, but we promise it's going to be EPIC!

We're reaching out to our local heroes—businesses, colleges, and passionate individuals who want to make a real impact. Here's how YOU can get involved:

Local Companies: Gain amazing local exposure by contributing building materials and labor. Your support will be the foundation of this life-changing endeavor!

Local Colleges: Calling all social media enthusiasts, podcast pros, video editing wizards, marketing mavens, and management maestros! Join hands with us, and let's create something truly remarkable.

Everyone: Yes, that's right, if you have a heart for our community and want to be part of something bigger, we want to hear from you!

This project is about unity, empowerment, and creating a brighter future for Leicester's disadvantaged children and families.

If you're as excited as we are and want to be part of this inspiring journey, shoot us a message now! Let's make magic together.

toy appeal

It’s that time of year again!

In association with Community Wishes (Leicester) Shane Varney's Martial Arts center is asking for donations for disadvantaged children and families in Leicestershire who would otherwise wake up to nothing on Christmas morning. Please, if you can, donate a gift.

Next time you’re out shopping, pop a lil something extra in your basket, wrap it up, label boy/girl and age range, bring it to Varney’s, and wake up on Christmas morning with the knowledge that gift would put a smile on a child’s face who would have otherwise woke up to nothing.
Our goal is to collect in 500 gifts before Dec 21st, can you help us reach our target?