28 May

National Volunteers’ Week: Celebrating a City that Cares

This National Volunteers’ Week, The Lord Mayor’s Appeal is proud to celebrate the individuals and organisations helping to create a “City that Cares”.

National Volunteers’ Week is an opportunity to recognise the people, charities, businesses and communities who give their time to support others and create meaningful change. Across the City of London, volunteering continues to play a vital role in strengthening communities, opening opportunities and improving lives. 

At The Lord Mayor’s Appeal, creating a “City that Cares” sits at the heart of our mission. Through initiatives such as City Giving Day, we see first-hand how businesses, organisations and individuals across the Square Mile are coming together to support communities and champion social responsibility. 

This year, we’re proud to spotlight just a few of the inspiring people and initiatives helping to make that vision a reality.

Supporting Communities Through Everyday Action

For Corporate Communications Specialist, Sarah Mahomed Ross, volunteering has always been about making a tangible difference to people’s lives.

Having volunteered in various capacities since her university days, Sarah now dedicates her time to causes including The Children’s Book Project, helping to ensure children who may not own a single book at home can experience the joy of reading. She also supports inclusive sport through the London Youth Games and Team London Ambassador networks.

Sarah believes the City’s long-standing culture of service and collaboration is one of its greatest strengths, but also highlights the enormous untapped potential that still exists.

“If every City worker used just one day to support a local cause a year, the collective impact would be huge.”

Her words are a powerful reminder that volunteering does not always require major commitments — even a few hours of time can have a lasting impact on communities and individuals alike.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Volunteering also plays a vital role in helping young people explore opportunities and build confidence for the future.

Karen Mangan, Volunteering Manager at the City of London Corporation, recently volunteered with The Lord Mayor's Appeal at an event designed to inspire young people by connecting them with professionals and career pathways across the City.

Reflecting on the experience, Karen described the students as ambitious, engaged and eager to make the most of every opportunity presented to them.

“The students approached it with maturity, critical thinking, and a good dose of business savvy.”

For Karen, the event reinforced the importance of creating meaningful connections between young people and the organisations shaping the future of the City.

As someone working at the heart of volunteering and community engagement, she sees daily examples of the City community stepping forward to support others.

“There is so much meaningful community engagement taking place, and it really is a force for good for everyone.”

Creating Lasting Memories Through Volunteerism

One of the most extraordinary examples of collective volunteering in action is the Children’s Magical Taxi Tour.

Run by the Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers since 1994, the annual initiative sees hundreds of licensed London Taxi drivers volunteer their time and vehicles to transport children with life-limiting illnesses and their families to Disneyland Paris for a magical three-day experience.

What began over three decades ago has now supported more than 5,000 children, offering moments of joy, escape and togetherness for families navigating incredibly difficult circumstances.

These stories may all be different, but they are united by a common thread - people giving their time, energy and expertise to help others.

Through City Giving Day, The Lord Mayor’s Appeal continues to champion the power of collective action in creating a more connected and compassionate City. Find more information or sign up here