A YEAR of fundraising by a Leamington-based friendly society has banked over £5,000 for the Marie Curie Hospice.
The Oddfellows’ Heart of England Branch donated £5,315.13 to the hospice after it was chosen by the friendly society’s outgoing chairman Laura Greenway, who works as a district nurse.
The total was raised by local Oddfellows members through sponsored events, such as a half marathon, walks and rowing challenges.
Donations also came in through the annual Grand Draw – where members sell homemade baking, produce, cards, and crafts – as well as afternoon teas, and Christmas and Easter-themed tombolas and raffles.
Yvette Glover, district secretary of Heart of England Oddfellows, said: “It was a real team effort, and we are proud to be able to make this donation to such a wonderful charity.
“Community and helping people are at the core of what we stand for at the Oddfellows and we know that this money will go a long way to looking after those who need it most.”
Marie Curie provides essential nursing and hospice care for people with any terminal illness, a free support line and a wealth of information and support on all aspects of dying, death, and bereavement.
Rachael Ryan, community fundraiser for Marie Curie in the West Midlands, said: “A huge thank you to the Heart of England Oddfellows for choosing Marie Curie as their chairman’s charity of the year and the generous donation of £5,315.13.
“The money raised will help ensure Marie Curie can provide vital care and support to more families in the Midlands affected by any terminal illness, grief and bereavement.”
The incoming chairman, Katie Guthrie, has chosen to fundraise for the Warwickshire and Worcestershire branch of mental health charity, Mind.
With around 830 local members, the Oddfellows’ Heart of England Branch is part of one of the oldest and largest friendly societies in the UK and hosts regular in person and online events in and around Leamington.
