Local charity Rotherfield St Martin (RSM) is taking part in The Big Give Christmas campaign, a nationwide fundraising initiative which runs for a week from 1 December. RSM will use the funds raised for events and activities next year.
Charter Tax Principal, Mark Howard, has lived in the village of Rotherfield for more than 25 years, where he is very much part of the community, and is a trustee of both RSM and Rotherfield Village Hall. His wife, Sharon, has also organised fortnightly food deliveries and contact visits to over 60 local residents since the beginning of the lockdown in March
RSM was initially set up to tackle loneliness among older residents in the village. However, since the onset of Covid-19, RSM has been driving a village-wide initiative for all members of the community called Parish Pals.
The charity explains:
“For those living alone, forced to shield or with loved ones in care homes, the pandemic has been particularly stressful. RSM cannot solve these problems of course, but throughout the pandemic our teams of Parish Pals, volunteer drivers, Rotherfield Repairs and staff have provided a huge amount support, practical help and of course, friendship.
Unfortunately, the lockdown restrictions mean the income we usually receive from the 40 activities we run each month has been reduced to zero and we are now totally reliant on our fundraising efforts and grant applications.”
Between the 1 and 8 December 2020, RSM is aiming to raise £2000 through The Big Give Christmas Campaign. Thanks to supporters Morag Hockins and The Monday Trust, donations are guaranteed to be doubled to £4000, giving RSM enough funds to put on a ‘really entertaining and safe’ calendar of events and activities next year, as soon as the lockdown restrictions are removed.
“I am very proud to be involved with Rotherfield St Martin, particularly during this challenge time,” says Mark Howard. “If you felt you could donate to The Big Give, the money would make a real difference to the lives of people in our community.”
Donate here: https://donate.thebiggive.org.uk/campaign/a051r00001fb0hWAAQ
