Big Give Thank You from Reach

In what was a fantastic end to a successful year, Reach raised an amazing £27,120 for their Big Give Christmas Challenge appeal, Not Lonely this Christmas!

The Big Give is the UK’s largest match-funding campaign. Donations made online during the Christmas Challenge week were doubled by a pledge pot of £7,500 comprised of pledges from the Mary Robertson Trust, the Southwell and District Lions, the Edwinstowe Lions, an anonymous donor and donations from two individuals. This was added to a pledge pot of £5,000 donated by Reach’s Big Give Charity Champion, The Reed Foundation, making a total pledge pot of £12,500 available to be matched by supporters.

Throughout the Christmas Challenge week, Reach Southwell clients took part in various open-house sessions and performances to raise awareness about the appeal including a brilliant Abba tribute by the Reach Media Fun group. In addition, the Fun & Fitness Group took on a sponsored exercise challenge which raised an impressive £355. That week, staff and volunteers from Reach Southwell and Flower Pod also joined Southwell Traders for the Late Night Christmas Shopping Event where they handed out friendship tokens and ran a lucky dip and raffle for festive shoppers.

Local friends and supporters donated generously throughout the Christmas Challenge week, including Southwell couple Peter and Sylvia Willows who asked guests attending their Golden Wedding Anniversary party at The Old Theatre Deli for donations to Reach rather than gifts. Mr & Mrs Willows raised £250 which was doubled as part of the campaign; a wonderful gift to the charity.

The target of £25,000 was reached before the midday deadline on 5th December, with additional donations making up the total figure. The money raised by the Not Lonely appeal will fund activities and courses which help over 200 people with learning disabilities in Nottinghamshire to build their confidence, make new friends and feel part of their community.

Fundraising Manager, Julia Sandhu, said, “Reach needs to raise over £200,000 each year just to continue its current level of service, so we would like to thank all those in Southwell and the surrounding area who supported the Big Give Christmas Challenge”.

For more information on the appeal and Reach’s services visit www.reachuk.org