The first-ever Small Charity Week draws to a close tonight as the Merlin Entertainments London Eye is illuminated in purple light to celebrate the small charities right across the UK working to build better communities. Over the course of the week hundreds of small charities have raised funds, promoted their cause and joined in events in this world-first initiative.

Today, at the Small Charity Week Service of Thanksgiving in London, Pauline Broomhead Chief Executive of the FSI spoke of a small charity sector in good heart and ready to step up and play a major role in the Big Society: “We live in uncertain times; economic uncertainty and budget cuts disproportionately impact many of our most needy. I take heart however from the fact the small charity sector stands ready to support those who need it. I know that in every community, in every village, town and city, that one of the UK’s 135,000 small charities will be there to help.”

“When you walk away from here today and return to your small charity, just remember you are part of something much bigger. Every year the FSI will make the small charity sector the focus of Small Charity Sector, and we will be there year-round to back you up. Together, our little charities deliver everything we need to build the best Big Society” she said.

The FSI confirmed that Small Charity Week will become an annual fixture. “The success of the week in engaging policymakers, the media and the public has been great. A sector of largely unsung heroes has finally had its chance to shine- next year will be bigger and better” Broomhead said.