Staff at the West Wight Sports and Community Centre are keen to speak to a mystery Good Samaritan, who gave their funds a big boost recently.
The bucket collection at Tesco in Freshwater raised £1,700 with a lot of it coming through small change, fivers, tenners etc.
But one kind person shocked the WWSCC volunteer team on duty by putting the princely sum of £1,000 in the pot. Now the centre management are keen to speak to the generous donor to thank them.
Clare Griffin, WWSCC manager, said:
“We do these bucket collections at Tesco twice a year and they are just one part of our annual fundraising.
“Our team were so shocked when the person told them they wanted to give £1,000 they had to check they hadn’t heard incorrectly.
“We would love it if the person could get in touch with the centre so we can thank them and discuss Gift Aid.”
Gift Aid is a scheme which helps charities benefit further from donations from UK tax payers.
Clare said the increase in employers’ national insurance, which added £40,000 to the centre’s costs each year, and the rise in utility bills has added pressure to the centre’s finances and meant that every penny counted.
The centre aims to make its activities affordable to the whole community and that makes fundraising vital to its income.
Some of the fundraising efforts undertaken or upcoming include:
- The Solent Swim in July, which usually brings in around £30,000.
- A daytime disco which raised £700.
- Various people accepted physical challenges last year – Manager Clare completed an Ultraswim and Dan Stirrup did the Berlin Ironman.
- The centre is currently recruiting a runner to participate in next year’s London Marathon as it has a charity place.
- A 17-year-old staff member ran the Southampton Half Marathon.
- WWSCC has a regular donor scheme – The Community Supporter Scheme, which will be promoted more widely soon.
- The West Wight Waves sponsored swim raised over £3,000.
- Recently the Centre has benefited from some legacies and there will be a drive to encourage people to think about this when writing their wills
- The centre regularly applies for grants.
Clare said:
“This is what makes the mystery donation so heartwarming. If the donor is willing, I would love the opportunity to discuss adding value to his donation through the Gift Aid scheme.”
If you are the mystery donor, give the centre a call on 01983 752168, pop in or email [email protected]
Every little helps!