Halifax fundraisers have helped the St Augustine’s Centre reach their £10,000 fundraising target in four months - one month early for their original target deadline.
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The #helpinghalifax campaign was set up by St Augustine’s at the end of August with the aim of raising £10,000 for the Centre by Christmas Day - but generous fundraising meant their goal was reached at the end of November!
Vicky Ledwidge, Project Leader at St Augustine’s Centre, says, “We rely heavily on public donations and grant applications to be able to serve the most marginalised in our community, and we wanted to do something that would gently remind people that we need support.
“We also wanted to have a bit of fun!”
Vicky adds, “The money was raised in such a huge variety of ways! We have had a lot of individual donations, and many groups have come together to put on events, or fundraise at events which were already planned.
“We were amazed to reach our target by the end of November – we’re not quite sure how it happened so quickly because it only seems like yesterday that we were celebrating receiving our first donation!”
Rachel Lloyd, Finance and Office Administrator at St Augustine’s, says, “We have been overwhelmed by the number of different ways that people have fundraised for us such as a sponsored walks by our Nursery team; Raffles; Bonfire at St Mary’s Church and Lord Nelson pub, Luddenden; generous Legacy donation; Numerous Church collections; Musical Odyssey; Baby and Toddler Nearly New Sale; Bun Sale; Head shave; Quiz night; 21 meals for a tenner; Choir collections; and also a donation from the Lloyds Bank Staff matched scheme.”
St Augustine’s Centre is a charity organisation giving help, advice or support to local people regardless of faith, ethnicity or background.
The money raised over the past four months will help St Augustine’s continue to support local marginalised people and will go to where the need is greatest within the community.
Vicky says, “As long as there are people in need, we will help them.
“#helpinghalifax will continue, and we’ve already got plans for a focus for the New Year.
“It’s important to remember that it’s not just about money though – we’ve had a lot of new volunteers come forward, our profile has been raised, we’re involved in some important conversations with decision makers, and ALL of this is needed to help Halifax.
“Next year, a lot of focus is on developing sustainable working relationships with other specialist organisations so that we can make appropriate referrals,” Vicky explains.
“Having said that, first and foremost we’re a community, and although we never quite know what will happen on a day to day basis, we are clear that we will help anyone who needs it with a smile on our faces!”
To find out more about St Augustine’s fundraising, follow #helpinghalifax on Twitter.
To donate to the St Augustine’s Centre appeal, visit: www.give.net/20171078
To volunteer at the Centre contact them via email: info@staugustinescentrehalifax.org.uk