The Hummingbird Project, a community powered clothing and support hub based in Glossop, has been honoured with the prestigious King's Award for Voluntary Service.
The Hummingbird Project, a community powered clothing and support hub based in Glossop, has been honoured with the prestigious King's Award for Voluntary Service. This accolade, often regarded as the MBE for volunteer groups, recognises the organisation's outstanding contributions to the community.
Established in 2020 by Jo Gregory, the Hummingbird Project began in her cellar, responding to the rising need for a clothing and baby bank where people could share, donate, and receive essential items. Over the next two years, Jo and her small team distributed over 150 clothing packs and more than 50 items of baby equipment per month. They also initiated campaigns such as collecting and gifting over 4,000 Easter eggs, over 6,000 Christmas gifts for children and the elderly, and over 100 laptops and 100 mobile phones for local schools during lockdown.
In March 2022, the project received National Lottery funding to rent their first headquarters. In April 2023, they moved to a 1,600 sq ft unit where the community can now shop in style and comfort.
The King's Award for Voluntary Service is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the volunteers who have made the Hummingbird Project a place of hope and support in the community. The 'Freetail' shopping experience offers a retail store providing preloved and new items of adult, baby, and children's clothing, as well as home furnishings, toiletries, period products, workwear, school uniforms, and baby items such as prams and cots—all free to those in need.
The Hummingbird Project operates on a 100% volunteer basis and relies on donations from the community. Their motto, 'Give what you can, take what you need,' embodies their mission to remove the stigma attached to clothing banks and promote sustainability and recycling.
For more information about the Hummingbird Project and how to get involved, visit their official website or contact their office in Glossop.
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