Dorset Council employees raise £5,000 for charity with the support of local businesses
Employees from Dorset Council rallied together during the second lockdown to raise more than £5,000 for charity.
Colleagues across the council organised a series of virtual events, such as a raffle, quizzes, dress-up day and a silent auction to raise money for BBC’s Children In Need and local charity the Friends of Dorset Care Leavers. Some colleagues took on personal challenges too, including a sponsored silence, going sugar-free and running.
BBC’s Children In Need helps funds projects in communities across the UK and Friends of Dorset Care Leavers helps young people leaving care through activities, gift packages and general support. The money raised will be split equally between the two groups.
Local businesses were amongst the people that kindly donated prizes, as well as council employees and their families. A couple of businesses from Devon and Cornwall gave prizes too.
Early Years Lead for Dorset Council, Liz Curtis-Jones, co-ordinated the fundraising. She said:
“We raise money every year and didn’t want COVID-19 to get in the way of this in 2020. I wondered how well we would do virtually, but I’m absolutely blown away by the response – we’ve actually more than doubled the amount we’ve raised previously. I’m so proud of my colleagues for getting involved and donating, but I’m particularly grateful to the local businesses who kindly donated prizes, especially in these difficult times. It shows how much kindness and generosity there is across Dorset. The money raised will make such a difference to children and young people’s lives, so a big thank you to everyone.”
Local businesses that donated include:
• Keyneston Mill
• Belle Modelle, Dorchester
• Finca Coffee, Dorchester
• Posh Pupz, Dorchester
• Waitrose, Dorchester
• Dorset Nectar Cider, Bridport
• The Parlour, Burton Bradstock
• Feed the Soul Café, Godmanstone
• Swanage Steam Railway
• Hall & Woodhouse, Dorchester
• Book & Bucket Cheese Company, Wimborne
• Crafting for a Cause, Poundbury
• Calm Necessities, Wareham
• The Pet Experience, Weymouth
• Conker Gin, Bournemouth
• Baboo Gelato, Bridport
• Fordington Gin, Dorchester
• Sculptures by the Lakes, Dorchester
• Ringwood Brewery
• Loco Loves, Dorchester
• Abbotsbury Swannery
• Bovington Tank Museum
• Shire Hall Museum, Dorchester
• Wey Valley Health and Fitness
• Beth Wood Artist, Blandford
• Camp Bestival
• John Davey, Artist
• End of the Road Festival
