Charities Required for Carnival 2008
May 2008
With Bridgwater Carnival 2008 just over five months away, organisers are seeking local charities and organisations to benefit from this year’s street collection.
In 2007 over £28,000 was collected and shared between the Bridgwater Carnival charity and last year’s chosen local charities (Bridgwater Rotary Club, British Red Cross – Bridgwater Branch, Bridgwater Lions International, SNAP, BIBIC, Children’s Hospice South West, Freewheelers EVS, Ron Peberdy Cyberknife Trust, Exmoor Search & Rescue Team, Break 4 Kids, Enterprise ‘Keeping in Touch Club, Somerset Sapphire Majorettes, St Margaret’s Somerset Hospice, Cancer Research UK and Up and Downs South West) – and once again local causes are being given the opportunity to get involved with Bridgwater’s biggest night of the year.
Mark Robson, collection officer for Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival, explained: “Every year we invite all charities and organisations who support and help people in the Bridgwater area to register their interest in supporting the carnival, as it provides an ideal opportunity for them to boost their funds.
“All we ask is they have volunteers collecting on carnival night and assist with the counting of the money after the event itself.”
Charities and organisations that are unable to fulfil these criteria may still be able to benefit from the carnival through the sale of souvenir programmes or by helping with the marshalling of the carnival and car parks throughout the night.
Over the last four years the event – regarded by many as the largest illuminated parade in the world - has raised over £143,000 for Bridgwater Carnival and local charities, and this year organisers are hoping to beat the collection record of £30,700.58 which was set in 2006.
"Mark added: “Providing the weather is good and we can get more collectors onto the streets, shaking their tins and encouraging spectators to give at least £1 each, then there is no reason why we can’t make history and set a new collection record. Obviously the more money raised, the more the charities benefit!”
Those interested in becoming involved with the collection or who would like to receive further information about the other opportunities, should write to Mark Robson at The Retreat, 32 Priorswood Road, Taunton, Somerset. TA2 7PW.
Mark can also be contacted by email or phone on (01823) 254410.
The closing date for applications is Friday 29 August 2008.
