Lewisham Donation Hub named Mayor of Lewisham's new charity of the year

During Full Council on Wednesday 16 July, Mayor Brenda Dacres OBE announced this year's mayoral charity as Lewisham Donation Hub - a grassroots organisation that provides essential items at no cost to residents facing hardship across south-east London.

Founded during the Covid-19 pandemic by Laurence Smith, the Hub has grown into a vital community resource, distributing everything from food and clothing to household goods. 

Its selection as mayoral charity coincides with a one-year lease extension at PLACE Ladywell, offering the Hub a platform to continue its work and expand its reach.

Mayor of Lewisham, Brenda Dacres OBE said: ‘‘I’m so proud to name Lewisham Donation Hub as my new Mayoral charity for the upcoming year. I’ve seen the real difference they make across the borough - offering warmth, dignity, and practical support to people when they need it most. Whether it’s a coat, a kettle, or just a kind word, they show up with compassion and purpose. I’m proud that through this partnership, we’re helping to keep that lifeline strong for everyone in Lewisham and beyond.’’

Following the announcement, Laurence Smith, CEO and Founder of Lewisham Donation Hub said: ‘‘We are so appreciative and honoured to be the Mayor's charity of the year for 2025/26. With our tenancy at Place Ladywell extended for another year, and with our events and fundraising teams making such great strides in their respective areas, we couldn't have wished for better news or a bigger platform to help secure our future. We owe our existence to the unwavering support extended to us by Lewisham Council, and therefore we are so pleased to share a platform with you.’’

Additionally, the Mayor presented a cheque for £25,193.82 to outgoing Mayoral charity Urban Synergy, recognising a year of community fundraising through events such as the London New Year’s Day Parade, the Big Catford Weekender and the London Marathon.

Urban Synergy’s CEO and founder, Leila Thomas has been reappointed as Mayoress for 2025/26, continuing to represent the borough and support community events on behalf of the Mayor. 

Leila Thomas said: ‘‘I am grateful for the support from Mayor Brenda Dacres OBE and to Council staff, especially the remarkable fundraisers who went the extra mile—quite literally—by running the London marathon for our charity. Their dedication and generosity has made a lasting impact, and I’m honoured to receive this donation on behalf of everyone at Urban Synergy. We will continue to inspire, guide and ignite the ambitions of young people from under-represented backgrounds in the borough, and beyond, who need our help to access education, work experience, apprenticeships and employment. We always had our roots in Lewisham and our heart beats there.’’

As the new Mayoral Charity, Lewisham Donation Hub will be spotlighted across the borough, receiving dedicated support from the Council. This includes fundraising which will be led by the Speaker of Lewisham who will champion the cause through activities like charity dinners and community events.

For further information about the Mayor’s new charity please contact media.relations@lewisham.gov.uk or visit Lewisham Donation Hub’s website.