CAG Virtual Cheque Presentation

On Friday 12th February 2021 the Charity Action Group (CAG) at Phyllis Court Club virtually presented two local charities with cheques totalling £12,400!

The virtual presentation took place on Zoom at the group’s AGM and representatives of each charity attended, as well as the mayor, media, Club Chairman Stan Ainsley, Council Members, Interest Group Chairmen and Club Members. 

The two charities that the group fundraised for throughout 2020 were Helen and Douglas House (children’s hospice) and The Chiltern Centre (supporting young people with disabilities). 

With fundraising events cancelled due to Covid-19, 2020 has been a challenging year for the CAG but thanks to the dedication of the committee and the generosity of Club Members, a fantastic amount of money has still been raised. Diana Pearman, CAG Chairman said: ‘To state the obvious, it has been a difficult year for our fundraising as the virus has prevented us from holding most of our events. Fortunately, the team had planned the ever-popular Burns Night celebrations in January and the ABBA tribute event in February at which Members dressed in 70’s gear, singing and dancing were a sight to be seen. As the restrictions came into place, we were determined to find other ways of raising funds so we went ‘virtual’ for the Spring fair, held an online Silent auction instead of the Regatta raffle, a virtual quiz and at Christmas asked Members for donations to help us reach the total amount.’

Representatives from each charity had received a cheque for £6,200 by post prior to the event and both give thanks to the CAG and Club Members for their generosity. For Helen and Douglas House, Alison Stone said: “We would like to say a massive thank you to everyone at Phyllis Court for this amazing donation which will help local terminally ill children. It has been a tough time for everyone during the pandemic but particularly for our families because many have felt isolated because they have not had their normal support from carers, so they need our help now more than ever. It has also been a worrying time where local families need our reassurance and support to try and keep their children safe, pain free and out of hospital. The money raised by Phyllis Court could pay for one month’s symptom management care a home once a week for a month for 25 local children”.

From the Chiltern Centre, Harriet Barcella, Community Fundraiser commented: ‘We are so grateful for the amazing donation from the Phyllis Court Charity Action Group. Against the extraordinary backdrop of the pandemic, the team have worked so hard and been so creative to raise such a wonderful sum of money. Funds like this quite literally keep the doors of the Chiltern Centre open. Perhaps most importantly, they help us to pay our carers who are the heart and soul of the Centre. Our carers bring joy, laughter, love and new experiences to the young people we support. They have adapted to the new normal - PPE, bubbles and everything that the pandemic has thrown at them - whilst keeping things as ’normal’ as possible for our young people at a time when the world has felt scary and overwhelming. These funds help us to change the lives of young people with disabilities - and their families - and we are incredibly grateful.’

The Charity Action Group will continue to hold events to raise funds for local charities throughout 2021.