SWINDON CARES 2007
This year's Swindon Cares charity week looks set to be the most successful
to date. The week of events, which runs from July 6 to July 14, was
officially launched at the Tawny Owl pub by Swindon mayor Michael Barnes
yesterday. "I want 2007 to be the best year yet for Swindon Cares," he
said.
"Swindon residents have a reputation second to none in supporting good
causes. "That is why I in turn wanted to give my support to the cause
during my mayoral year. "I am looking forward to doing what I can during
the year to support both the charities themselves and Swindon Cares."
Swindon Cares is a charity fundraising week that features a range of
activities and collects money for three beneficiaries. The idea for the
week was thought up by the Rotary Club five years ago. The groups
benefiting from this year's event are The Swindon Therapy Centre for
Multiple Sclerosis, The Samaritans and the Broadgreen Breakfast Club. They
will receive a share of the money raised for the next two years. Samaritans
publicity officer Martin Forbes said they were delighted to be involved. "It is great," he said. "We have just bought a little van, which we will be
using both to promote the service and to recruit new volunteers. "The money
we receive will cover what we have already spent, so it is nice to feel that
we won't have to scrimp and save." Ram Thiagarajah, of the Broadgreen
Breakfast Club, said it meant a lot for the charity to be part of Swindon
Cares. "We are totally dependent on grants and onations from the business
community and have to do a lot of fundraising every year," he said. "However, this year we are extremely grateful to Swindon Cares for
supporting the work that we do." The group will use the money to help with
the day-to-day running of the centre.
The Swindon Therapy Centre, based in Cheney Manor, is hoping that the
donation will allow them to move to larger premises. "It is fantastic to be
involved because we are totally self-funded and it is quite hard work for us
to keep finding the money to fund the treatments we offer," said Sandra
Herbert, a trustee of the charity. "We are hoping to be able to move to a
bigger building soon and this will definitely help." Money for the cause
has already started to arrive.
During the launch event, accountancy firm Bentley Jennison handed over a
cheque for £1,520, the first of the year.
Other Funders
 Supported by the Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales
 Supported by the Community Foundation for Wiltshire & Swindon
 Supported by The Zurich Community Trust
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