Letter: Guildford Lions Christmas Appeal: ‘Thanks For Your Generosity’

Published on: 26 Jan, 2017
Updated on: 26 Jan, 2017

From Eric James, Guildford Lions Club

I would like to update everybody regarding the Guildford Lions Christmas Appeal which I am delighted to announce is currently standing at just in excess of £3,000, which is really tremendous.

The appeal was set up to benefit the homeless, lonely, ill and those in financial difficulty in our community and all of the money donated, without any deduction for administration costs etc, will be used to benefit our nominated charities which are the Mayor of Guildford’s Distress Fund, Guildford Action, and our own club welfare fund.

Whilst the appeal will remain open until the end of February, we have presented a cheque for £1,000 to both the mayor and the chief executive of Guildford Action, Joanne Tester, with the balance being transferred to our own Guildford Lions Welfare Fund.

Guildford Lions president Erica Quaile presents a cheque to the Mayor Guildford, Gordon Jackson.

The Guildford public have yet again demonstrated their generosity and concern for those less fortunate in our community and the money raised will make a very real difference many people’s lives and Guildford Lions Club would like to record our heartfelt thanks to all those that have contributed.

Lions president Erica Quaile presents Joanne Tester of Guildford Action with a cheque. Also pictured is Tom Kelso who chaired a fundraising event for Guildford Lions.

Additionally, our Guildford Lions Club High Street collection in support of Guildford’s foodbanks was also extremely well supported and the generosity of the public helped us to ensure needy families enjoyed a happier Christmas than they expected. We have already made a donation of £250 to the foodbanks and additional support will continue throughout the remainder of the year.

Here are some comments from Guildford Action and also the mayor, Cllr Gordon Jackson:

Guildford Action: “Thank you so much for coming in today to present the cheque for £1,000 for Guildford Action. Next year is going to be particulary challengeing as we are still yet to hear what funds we will get from our main funders. It’s worrying times for us and the expected cut in funds comes at a time where the need for our service is growing.

“We are seeing more people rough sleeping, more families at risk of eviction due to welfare reform and more people than ever using foodbanks. The fact that Guildford has three foodbanks gives some indication into
the hidden poverty in the borough.

“The council works hard and with us to try to ensure people do have access to housing and food and shelter, but like us, they too are being squeezed by government. Without your support, our job would be so
much harder. Thank you for the ongoing support and the commitment to us at Guildford Action.”

The Mayor of Guildford, Gordon Jackson: “I am absolutely delighted to receive a cheque for £1,000 from the Guildford Lions for the Mayor’s Local Distress Fund as a result of their Christmas Appeal. The fund provides vital support by granting small sums of money to residents of Guildford borough, who are struggling to make ends meet and who are in genuine need of help. I am extremely grateful for all that the Guildford Lions do for our community.”

Our Christmas Appeal will remain open until February 28 and if you would like to donate to this very worthwhile cause you may do so by bank transfer to: sort code: 30-93-74, account number: 65250060, name: Guildford Lions Club Appeals Account, reference Christmas.

Or by sending a cheque endorsed Christmas Appeal on the reverse and made payable to: Guildford Lions Club, and post to 4 Cheviot Drive, Fleet, Hampshire GU51 2TF.

You can also donate via https://campaign.justgiving.com/charity/guildfordlionsclubctf/christmasappeal