Awards & Nominations

Frank Foley Awards – Runner Up

In 2017, Vi Wood—founder of Leslie’s Care Packages—was named runner-up for the prestigious Frank Foley Award for Community Spirit at the Mayor’s Civic Awards in Dudley. This honour recognised Vi’s extraordinary volunteer work and the early impact of Leslie’s Care Packages, which was still in its infancy—born from love, loss, and a fierce commitment to helping those facing homelessness and hardship. The nomination came during a time of personal and community crisis, when resources were scarce but compassion was abundant. Leslie’s Care Packages was built not on funding, but on resilience, love, and the belief that even the smallest gesture can change a life. Vi would like to extend a special thank you to everyone who supported her journey—from the anonymous nominator to the kind-hearted voters, volunteers, and donors who continue to support.

🌟 Dudley Volunteer Awards 🌟

In 2017, Vi Wood was honoured with an award for her volunteer work in Dudley—a moment that underscored the profound impact of small acts of kindness, especially during times of crisis. This recognition came at a time when many in the community were facing homelessness, hardship, and uncertainty. From its earliest days, the project has been rooted in compassion, offering hope and practical support to those in need. In the darkest moments, it has been the unwavering kindness of supporters that kept the light shining. Leslie’s Care Packages was built not on resources, but on resilience, and the belief that even the smallest gesture can change a life 💜

The great big Thank You Awards

Leslie’s Care Packages was named a finalist in the Fresh Start category of the #GreatBigThankYou Awards by the Express & Star. This honour came at a time when the idea was still fragile—born from love, loss, and the quiet ache of personal crisis. Leslie’s Care Packages began with a widow’s determination to turn grief into kindness, and struggle into service. Being recognised for a “fresh start” meant the world then, and it still does now. It was a sign that even in the hardest moments, hope can take root—and grow.

🌟 Exciting News – 2019

In 2019, Leslie’s Care Packages was proudly shortlisted for the Community Award at the Halesowen and Dudley News, Stourbridge News Forging a Future Awards—a celebration of grassroots impact and collective compassion. This nomination wasn’t just for the organisation. It was a tribute to every person who stood beside LCP during its formative years: Generous supporters, Kind-hearted donors, Loyal followers. Together, they helped transform compassion into action—offering dignity-first support to those facing homelessness, hardship, and crisis. That night, Leslie’s Care Packages represented not just a mission, but a movement built on love. Vi Wood extends heartfelt thanks to the community that made this journey possible. Your faith in Leslie’s legacy continues to light the way.

COVID Hero Awards – Dudley CVS

In 2020, Vi Wood, founder of Leslie’s Care Packages, was deeply honoured to receive a COVID Hero Award from Dudley CVS, recognising her extraordinary efforts during one of the most challenging chapters in the borough’s history. While the world slowed down, Leslie’s Care Packages sped up—delivering food and toiletry parcels, collecting shopping for those shielding, and finding new ways to stay connected with the most vulnerable. The mission, born from love and loss, became a lifeline for many. This award wasn’t just for Vi. It was for Leslie—whose legacy of compassion guided every care package, every doorstep delivery, and every act of love. It was also for the volunteers, donors, and supporters who helped turn crisis into connection, and isolation into care.

SWISH Media Awards – Finalist!

In 2020, Leslie’s Care Packages was named a finalist in the prestigious SWISH Media Awards, recognising outstanding contributions across independent organisations, media, and community-led initiatives.
Founder Vi Wood shared that while being nominated is always an honour, this recognition was never about her alone—it was about the incredible community that surrounds Leslie’s Care Packages.
The final shortlist represented: Tireless supporters, Generous donors, Passionate followers. Together, they helped transform compassion into action—delivering dignity-first care packages, and keeping hope alive during a year marked by isolation and uncertainty.

This recognition belongs to every person who believed in Leslie’s legacy and helped carry it forward.

Honoured – Palfrey Awards

In 2022, Vi Wood, founder of Leslie’s Care Packages, was honoured with the Palfrey Award by the Rotary Club of Stourbridge—a recognition given for outstanding service to the community.
Vi shared that she hadn’t heard of the award before receiving it, but learning about its history made the moment all the more meaningful. The Palfrey Award celebrates individuals who quietly and consistently uplift their communities, and Vi was proud to accept it on behalf of everyone who supports Leslie’s Care Packages.
This honour reflected not just her leadership, but the collective compassion of donors, volunteers, and supporters who have helped turn Leslie’s legacy into a living movement of dignity and care.
Vi extends heartfelt thanks to the Rotary Club for this unexpected and touching recognition—a reminder that kindness, even in its quietest forms, never goes unnoticed

Certificate of Recognition

In 2022, Vi Wood, founder of Leslie’s Care Packages, received a Certificate of Recognition for the Frank Foley Award for Community Spirit at the Mayor’s Civic Awards in Dudley. Vi was unaware she had been nominated, making the moment all the more touching. She expressed deep gratitude to the anonymous nominator, calling their quiet gesture “a gift that means the world.” This recognition wasn’t just for Vi—it was a tribute to Leslie’s Care Packages and the compassionate community that surrounds it. Every supporter, donor, and follower has helped turn dignity and kindness into action, offering hope to those facing homelessness and hardship. Vi shared that Leslie’s legacy continues to shine through each act of love, each care package, and each person who believes in the mission.

Certificate of Recognition

In 2023, Vi Wood, founder of Leslie’s Care Packages, was quietly honoured with a Certificate of Recognition for the Frank Foley Award for Community Spirit at the Mayor’s Civic Awards in Dudley.
The nomination came as a surprise, making the moment all the more meaningful. Vi expressed deep gratitude to the anonymous individual who put her name forward, calling their quiet gesture “a gift that touched her heart.” This recognition wasn’t just for Vi—it was a tribute to Leslie’s Care Packages and the compassionate community behind it. Every donor, supporter, and follower has helped turn kindness into action, offering dignity and hope to those facing homelessness and hardship. The award also honoured the legacy of Leslie, whose spirit of compassion continues to guide every care package, every doorstep delivery, and every act of love. From its humble beginnings to its growing impact across the Black Country and beyond, Leslie’s Care Packages remains a living testament to what can be achieved when grief is transformed into service, and when community rises to meet crisis with care.

💫 Supporting Our Elderly with Leslie’s Care Packages 💫

At Leslie’s Care Packages, we believe no one should feel forgotten—especially our elderly neighbours who face isolation, poverty, and daily hardship. Many older adults in our community live alone, struggling to afford basic necessities like food, hygiene items, and warm clothing. The cost-of-living crisis has only deepened these challenges, leaving far too many without support. That’s why we’re stepping in—with dignity, compassion, and practical help.

🛍️ What We Do

We provide thoughtfully assembled care packages tailored to meet the unique needs of elderly individuals. Each package includes essential items such as non-perishable food and toiletries, with additional contents depending on the generous donations we receive. Nutritious, easy-to-prepare food, Toiletries and hygiene products, Warm socks, gloves, and blankets, Supermarket vouchers for added choice (subject to availability) Each package is more than just supplies. It’s a reminder that someone cares.

🤝 Why It Matters

Loneliness and poverty among older adults aren’t just statistics—they’re lived realities. Many recipients tell us they haven’t spoken to anyone in days. Others ration food or skip meals to afford heating. These care packages offer not only relief, but a sense of being seen and valued.

🌟 How You Can Help

Whether you’re a local business, a community member, or someone who simply wants to make a difference:
Donate items or funds to help us reach more people, Sponsor a care package in honour of a loved one,

Spread the word to raise awareness, Volunteer your time to help us pack and deliver. Together, we can bring warmth, dignity, and connection to those who need it most. Every share, conversation, and mention helps Leslie's Care Packages reach someone who might wants to support us.