Global Ardour Recycling, in collaboration with the We Love Hitchin Facebook group, has launched a community-led initiative giving local residents the opportunity to decide which charity will receive a £1,000 donation.
After feedback from the We Love Hitchin community and discussions with local residents, three charities have been shortlisted for the public vote:
- St Mary’s Preservation Trust – dedicated to protecting and maintaining Hitchin’s historic parish church. The Trust raises essential funds for restoration and preservation work on the Grade I listed building, safeguarding one of the town’s most significant landmarks for generations to come.
- North Herts & Stevenage Centre for Voluntary Service (NH&SCVS) – supporting voluntary and community groups throughout the region. The organisation connects charities, volunteers, and local services, while managing initiatives such as GoVolHerts, Reach Out Hertfordshire, and Community Transport to improve accessibility and strengthen community links.
- Feed Up Warm Up – helping those experiencing homelessness or at risk of it by providing meals, friendship, and outreach across Hertfordshire. The charity supports up to 140 people each week at its drop-in centres and relies entirely on donations and community contributions to operate.
Voting will run from 10th September until 1st October via a dedicated poll pinned to the We Love Hitchin Facebook group. The charity receiving the highest number of votes by the closing date will be awarded the £1,000 donation.
To encourage community participation, Global Ardour Recycling will also share weekly profiles of each shortlisted charity across social media, raising awareness of their work and inspiring residents to get involved. Partnering with We Love Hitchin ensures the competition is hosted within a trusted, active community space where local voices can be heard.
As one of the UK’s leading recyclers of scrap metal and end-of-life vehicles, Global Ardour Recycling has a long-standing commitment to supporting the communities it serves. The company has invested significantly in its Hitchin site, generating local employment and providing competitive recycling services to residents, businesses, and tradespeople. This initiative continues that commitment by giving locals the power to influence where charitable funding is directed.
Graeme Slater, Operations Director at Global Ardour Recycling Hitchin, said: “Hitchin has a strong community spirit and the staff regularly engage in fundraising activities on site. This competition is about giving local people the power to choose which cause matters most to them. All three shortlisted charities do incredible work, and we’re proud to be supporting them in this way.”
The winning charity will be invited to Global Ardour Recycling’s Hitchin site to receive a presentation cheque, with photos shared on social media and through local press outlets.
Residents wishing to vote can join the We Love Hitchin Facebook group and cast their vote before 1st October.
Find the We Love Hitchin Facebook Group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/welovehitchin/
