ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CHARITY Fundraising eventS
(please see recent updates below, following this summary)
The Parish Council held its first fundraising event for the Air Ambulance Trust in 2006. These occasions take the form of a social evening attended by staff and Councillors and funds are raised by way of a raffle, the proceeds of which are equalled by us thus doubling the amount. Prizes are donated by Members/Officers and staff, and also by some local companies. On the 8th December 2006 a total of £465 was raised, which included an additional donation of £50 from Hanover Housing Association who were at the time building the residential elderly care homes within our Parish.
A
meeting was subsequently arranged with Mrs Stevie Horton, who was then TVAC's Head of
Fundraising at White Waltham, attended by the Finance Clerk and myself, to
present our cheque. (Pictured here is Mrs Horton
receiving the cheque from our Finance Clerk, Mrs Tina Kellett).
During our visit we met several volunteers and learned that the TVAC Air Ambulance Trust is a charity which is funded entirely by sponsorship, donations and fundraising. A total of £126,000 had to be raised each month to fund the running costs. In light of this we felt that the £465 we had raised seemed rather insignificant. However, Mrs Horton kindly pointed out that the air ambulance used approximately £65 worth of fuel each time it was launched and our donation would therefore fund around seven journeys.
TVAC recognises the efforts involved in arranging such fundraising events and all donations, no matter how large or small, are equally appreciated.
The Parish Council has since been holding similar fundraising events during the Festive Season on an annual basis thus providing continuing support for this organisation, and also for the benefit of those of us who may one day be in need of the vital service they provide. Annual updates are included below. For further information about TVAC, and how you can make a donation or offer your voluntary support, please visit their website on the following link:
2007 Update
The Parish Council held the second event on the 14th December 2007 and a total of £626 was raised. Our sincere thanks to Wexham Bowls Club for once again allowing us the use of their clubhouse for the occasion.
2008 Update
Our third
annual fundraising evening was held on the 12th December 2008. In addition
to the raffle prizes personally provided by the Councillors and staff several
quality items were kindly donated by (in alphabetical order)
Black &
Decker, Sainsburys, Sara Lee and Tefal. The
Parish Council would like to convey our
sincere thanks to all those who supported the event, including
the abovementioned companies and also our friends, family and colleagues who
purchased raffle tickets prior to the draw.
More than forty prizes were up for grabs this year and £902 was raised. This included a donation by the Wexham Bowls Club to round up the total, having already kindly given us the use of their premises free of charge for the third year running.
TVAC now has a new red and yellow helicopter - the EC135 Eurocopter - about which further information can be found on their website (link above).
2009 Update
Our
fourth annual charity fundraising event was held on the 11th December 2009 and
included a total of 45 raffle prizes, some of which were kindly donated by
Boots, Debenhams, Sainsburys and Sara Lee. Once again a big 'thank you' to
these companies, and to our small team of Parish Councillors and staff who
support these events. Thanks also to Wexham Bowls Club who again provided
the venue.
A total of £952 was raised this year, to be split equally between the Air Ambulance Trust and Help for Heroes. Arrangements are made to present cheques to the chosen charities in the New Year.
Well done everyone!
Click here to return to home page