Fundraising Effort
Published: 26 April 2020
Firstly may I say a huge thank you on behalf of all residents across the district for the amazing job you are doing in your local communities. Clearly this is for many a devastating situation and one none of us could ever have fully prepared for, but over the last few weeks we have seen across the district the very best of local government at all levels. The way that communities have come together when the chips are down and their neighbours are in need has been truly humbling.
Across the district we have seen enormous pressures on a number of our local charities who have seen the double whammy of reduced income and a huge rise in the need for their services.
I am pleased to say that Sevenoaks District Council will be supporting and coordinating a fundraising effort for these vital local charities under the banner ‘Sevenoaks District Communities Together’ and through a crowdfunding website.
The four local charities are:
- Age UK (Sevenoaks and Tonbridge) – Providing independent living advice, support and activities for older people
- Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Services (DAVSS) – Supporting women and men experiencing domestic abuse
- Friends for Families (Sevenoaks) – A small charity working in the Sevenoaks District to help families facing financial hardship
- West Kent Mind – A charity promoting positive mental health and supporting people with mental health problems
All of these local charities are doing incredible work and keeping vulnerable residents across the district safe during the current situation. It is vital they can continue their important work so we want to help raise as much money as possible for them. Sevenoaks District Council will be supporting the appeal and will match every donation made, up to a maximum total of £5,000. Our initial target is to reach £10,000 but we really hope to exceed that.
The fundraising website is being hosted by ‘Spacehive’ and you can view it here
www.spacehive.com/sevenoaks-district-communities-together. Spacehive has kindly waived its admin charges for this appeal. It will say charges are taken when a pledge is made but all the money will be refunded back once the appeal is over.
‘Sevenoaks District Communities Together’ will be launching this appeal to the public next week.
I fully understand that many town and parishes are running either similar schemes or using funds to support their local residents but if it is possible for your councils to consider supporting these local charities through this appeal that would be fantastic. Please could you also promote the appeal, spread the word and share our posts on any social media pages.
Kind regards
Cllr Peter Fleming
Leader of Sevenoaks District Council