Plans are already underway for our main fund raising event for Woodlarks each year, the 33 mile Rogue Bloggers walk in the summer. The fourth walk is going to be on a different, 1 mile longer, route than the first three and takes place on June 13 2020 and I will be badgering everyone I know to ensure that we raised even more than the £50,000 we raised in 2019. But that badgering can wait. For now, Christmas looms…
It is always a special time of year, especially for those of us blessed with children. And it is a time for giving and for thinking of those less fortunate than ourselves. And it is in that spirit that I ask you to join me in making a donation to the Woodlarks Christmas Grottos appeal, which you can do HERE.
During the next few weeks volunteers will transform the grounds at Woodlarks into a winter wonderland complete with Santa’s Grotto. All of the attractions are designed to be accessibly to two hundred kids from special schools or hospices who will turn up for a quite unique day out. And that will include a present of their choice which will set the charity back by a little under twenty pounds per child.
The event which takes place between 9 and 14 December has grown massively over the ten years that the Woodlarks team have been running it and for the last four years Woodlarks has had more than 200 children visit each year.
All of the children will have complex additional needs which means that for a great number of them they would not be able to access other grottos. Woodlarks volunteers give their time freely to make this event special and those volunteers have already raised a good amount to support this year’s event. But more is needed.
To ensure that the Grotto is fully funded and is not a drain on other activities at the camp we need to raise an additional £3,000. If you can spare just a few quid to help us please donate today. In advance we thank you.
I was lucky enough to go down to Woodlarks a couple of December’s ago to see the Grotto and all the other edifices constructed by Nick Richards and his team at a very special campsite. I know the smiles, laughter and happiness that Woodlarks will generate for folks for whom life is not that easy and for those who care for them.
Please join me in making a small donation to this Christmas appeal. In advance I thank you and, if it is not too early, may I wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas.
Tom Winnifrith