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We are delighted to announce that both 17c�����Ƶ Society, and our charity 17c�����Ƶ Foundation have been recognised at the Third Sector Awards.

The Third Sector Awards provide an opportunity for voluntary organisations of all sizes, and the people who work for them, to celebrate their work and the real difference they make to society.

“The importance of the work charities, individuals and sector organisations have done throughout the pandemic – to support their beneficiaries, raise awareness of crucial issues and drive best practice among their peers – cannot be overstated. We want to use Third Sector's platform to thank the individuals and teams working their hardest to deliver at a time when they have never been more needed.” Third Sector Awards website

17c�����Ƶ Society has been shortlisted in the Enterprise of the Year category and 17c�����Ƶ Foundation for the Small Charity, Big Achiever category. Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony in London on 17 September.

Managing Director, Patricia Alexander, said: “Being shortlisted for these awards is a fantastic accolade and a real celebration of the work 17c�����Ƶ has achieved.

“The last 18 months have been extremely challenging for so many people, and being shortlisted demonstrates the commitment of everyone involved in 17c�����Ƶ.

“Last year, our financial services had an impact on almost 400,000 people, with 70% of our finance going directly to producers. However, for every farmer or handcraft maker we are able to help, there are many more in great need of finance, and even more so in light of the current crisis.

“Our members are incredibly loyal, and have continued to support us as the world continues through an extremely challenging time. We are actually seeing our investment increase, which is vital so that we can continue to carry out our mission of reaching those smaller vulnerable groups who are otherwise unable to access finance.”

Foundation Manger, Kodzo Korkortsi, said: “We are proud to have been shortlisted for the Small Charity, Big Achiever award.

“This year we have worked with in-country partners to deliver projects in rural communities across Africa and Latin America. Where, thanks to support from individuals, and funding from trusts, we have enabled people to learn new skills in cocoa farming, beekeeping, and water conservation.

“We also re-launched our Livelihood Security Fund in response to the Covid-19 pandemic to support farmers and workers affected in these communities.”