MERSEYSIDE residents are being asked to nominate charities to receive a financial boost this festive season.

Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards is giving away £120,000 as part of its annual 12 Days of Giving Christmas campaign.

For 12 days in the lead up to Christmas the specialist financial services group is giving £1,000 to ten charities each day - with 120 charities in total benefitting from a festive financial boost.

Mark Hews, Group Chief Executive of Benefact Group, said: “We’re delighted to be giving away another £120,000 in valuable donations to causes around the country. We know that charities are struggling, and for many, the festive season is a critical time. We’re asking residents to take a few minutes of their time to nominate a cause they especially care about.

“Benefact Group is the third largest corporate donor in the UK and has an ambition to be the biggest. Owned by a charity, Benefact Trust, all of its available profits go to good causes, and the more the Group grows, the more the Group can give. We know that £1,000 can make a huge difference to the incredible work that charities do and we’re looking forward to seeing how this financial boost will change lives for the better.”

Nominations are now open and Merseyside residents are being encouraged to nominate a cause they care about to give them a chance of receiving a share of the award money.

Last year more than 3,400 people from Merseyside nominated good causes to receive an award, resulting in three local charities landing donations.

Mo Barker, Group Scout Leader at 4th Heswall Sea Scout Group RN44 who benefitted from £1,000 last year, said: “4th Heswall Sea Scout group provides exciting and adventurous activities to children aged 4-18.

“Due to the increased demand for scouting in the area post pandemic, the donation provided the group with the ability to increase our key equipment and replenish valuable assets for camping and water activities, allowing for rapid expansion over the last couple of years with increased membership and adult volunteers.

“We continue to grow our membership and develop our programme, reaching a wider audience and providing skills for life to all our young people.”

Draws will take place between 1 – 18 December and people can nominate using the online form at www.movementforgood.com. Winners are drawn at random and the more times a charity is nominated the more chance it has of being selected.