FUNDRAISING
Fundraising is at the heart of every Lions club in order to maintain a Charity Account of sufficient size to meet the most urgent and/or worthwhile causes presented to it. To sustain this fund the club organises, promotes and run’s a number of events each year which can be seen on our club news and event page
Sometimes these events are targeted at raising funds for specific and named causes such as the locally based RNLI, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, etc. which, although of a general nature are considered vital to the wellbeing of all residents in our geographic area. We may also combine with another charity’s event such as the Julia’s Hospice or participate in the Bridport annual carnival where our collections go to a town fund which goes to causes which fall within the Lions local community remit.
Our main money raising event is the annual Swimarathon held in the Bridport Leisure Centre in early October, which involves more than twenty teams of six swimmers of all ages and capability who compete for several cups. Their task, prior to the day, is to raise individual sponsorship while club members gain corporate sponsorship to fund the costs of the event.
Another prime fundraiser is our Santa Sleigh which, by kind permission of Morrison’s, is placed outside their supermarket for several days running up to Christmas. Suitably attired members are on hand to receive donations from the public whilst trying to avoid pneumonia!.
In the lead up to Easter we raffle eggs in many local pubs and other outlets, raising valuable funds in the process, while at the food festival in June we can be found managing the gates.
Although not on an annual basis, we do run other interesting events. Towards the end of 2012, for the first time in several years, we held a fashion show in collaboration with M&Co. In March 2013, for the second year in a row, we put on another evening of blues music at the Freshwater leisure site. By virtue of the generosity of the performers and venue providers in giving their services free, all the proceeds were again available to go to local projects.
It should be noted that our constitution does not allow for any funds donated to be used for the running or administration of the Club and its events. We cover these costs through corporate sponsorship, free supply of services and raffle prizes, plus sponsored car parking duties and club members contributions This aspect undoubtedly reinforces the generosity of the public when making donations to us and is a vital element in the foundation of support we have received over very many years from the local public.
