AN ANONYMOUS philanthropist has offered Teesdale Day Clubs a handsome £5,000 donation but there is a catch – the charity has to match it with its own fundraising.
The offer came from a person closely associated with the group, which tackles social isolation in the dale by offering weekly lunches to older people.
The charity has updated its website and created a host of online streams to raise the cash needed to get the full £5,000 gift. The anonymous donor said: “I want Teesdale Day Clubs to flourish. They play an important role in the life and welfare of the dale and have given me fun, friendship and fulfilment.
“I would like others to be able to share these benefits and feel that no one should be left isolated, alone and unsupported when we have it in our power to bring help and happiness.”
Andrea Hobbs, from the day clubs, welcomed the unexpected gesture.
She said: “This is a really great offer – for every pound we raise that will be matched by a pound. Our overall target, including the match-funding, is £10,000. We are just over half way there, so we have done pretty well.”
She hopes family and friends of those who are benefitting from the charity’s service will help push them
over the line and have increased the charity’s online presence.
Ms Hobbs said: “We have a JustGiving donation button on our website and we have provided links to Amazon Smile and Easyfundraising.”
The links to Amazon Smile and Easyfundraising mean that when people carry out online shopping they also make a small contribution Teesdale Day Clubs.
Ms Hobbs said: “We are set up for Gift Aid as well so people who are taxpayers can help us get additional funding.”
The anonymous donor said: “I am most grateful to anyone who can join me by giving a gift to secure the future of Teesdale Day Clubs for others, and to help those for whom this is one of very few treats in their modest lifestyle.”
People who would like to donate or to find links to the online shopping options should visit teesdaeldayclubs.
org.uk.
