Charity appeal for members as grants drain

A charity which provides services to people with learning disabilities is appealing for new members.

Mencap In Kirklees, which run leisure groups, residential homes and community support schemes, has recently set up an Events and Fundraising Committee to deal with strong competition for grants in the wake of cuts.

Fundraising – which accounts for a small percentage of its income – now needs to play a bigger part in the charity’s money-making strategy.

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Samantha Jones, fundraising co-ordinator, said: “It’s about sharing experiences and being able to bounce things off each other. We would like to see the committee memership increase.”

They have taken up various challenges in the past, including the 10km Bupa Great Manchester Run this year, for which they fetched £700.

Sandra Fielden, who works for the charity and has a learning disability, raised £200 for its Safe Places project with a sponsored swim.

The committee is now organising a Barn Dance and hope to make £500 profit. It will be held at the Ukrainian Social Club in Huddersfield on Saturday October 18.

Tickets are £10. Call Samantha on 01484 340811.

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