Thousands raised for charity

On Tuesday 22nd January the Charity Action Group (CAG) at Phyllis Court Club presented three local charities with cheques totaling £33,000! The presentation took place at the group’s AGM and representatives of each charities attended, as well as the media, Interest Group Chairmen and Club Members.

The lucky charities that the group fundraised for throughout 2018 were Riverside Counselling Service who provide professional help to those in need, Carers Bucks who work with young carers and Thames Valley Adventure Playground (TVAP) who provide respite for disabled children and their families.

Reflecting on the groups fundraising in 2018 she said, “The committee have planned and managed 12 large scale events this year, encompassing those which are tried and trusted as well as incorporating more adventurous ones.”  Jane Jackson, CAG Treasurer explained the accounts “It has been a turbulent year with the ‘B’ word, but despite this such a generous amount of money has been raised and we thank everyone involved”. 

Representatives from each charity were then presented with a cheque for £11,000 and each gave a small speech. For Carers Bucks, Sarah Collins, Young Adult Carers Project Lead, and Sandy Briscoe, their Community Fundraiser and Connie D’Silva, a young carer said: “Carers Bucks have provided me with support since I was 11 years old, they have helped me in many ways with everything from anxiety to enabling me to do after school clubs, extra-curricular activities and attend my classes at College.”  From Riverside Counselling, Amanda Collins, Hilary Arthur and Nicki Williams-Gray were also extremely grateful for the donation, stating how “in the last year, Riverside Counselling has received an 111% increase in requests for help.” Finally, in a heartful statement Reama Shearman from TVAP said “This money will help families like mine caring for a disabled child to find a place of non-judgement, somewhere where siblings can be siblings with others who understand. The £11,000 will provide a total of 183 respite days which is three quarters of the placements we provide each year and they are so incredibly important.”

Diana Pearman said, “as always we are extremely grateful to those Club Members who regularly support our events throughout the year.”
“2018 has seen a particular increase in pop up shops, in addition to our usual events like our Quiz Night encouraging Members from the 32 Phyllis Court Interest Groups to form a team and take part.” The CAG held other events including a Cabaret Night, Shopping Extravaganza and an extremely successful Christmas Fair.

Phyllis Court Club Chairman, Barry Jackson, said “I never cease to be surprised at the talent, and dedication of our Members to achieve incredible goals. Diana and her group of volunteers never forget that there are people who need help and support to face daily challenges. The Charities have all expressed better than I can what the money means to them. Giving is not just about collecting, it’s about enjoying it at the same time and Diana has organised some wonderful events supported by the Club, and those attending have had fun.”

The CAG was pleased to announce that they will be supporting Thames Hospice in 2019. The Hospice is a charity that provides expert care for people living with life-limiting illnesses, and their families, in East Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire. A one-off event will also be arranged in aid of Camp Mohawk, day centre that provides a secure and caring play environment for children with special needs and their families, and another event will be held in aid of Wyfold Riding for the Disabled. 

Once again, for 2019 the Group will organise a variety of events for Members to enjoy while raising funds for charity, starting with a Burns Night Ceilidh on Saturday 26th January.