The funds have been distributed equally between Compton Care, Acorns Children’s Hospice, SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, and The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust Charity (Your RWTC).
Councillor Collingswood selected the four organisations as his chosen charities during his term as Mayor and, with the support of the Mayoral Office, volunteers, sponsors and local residents, spent the year raising money through a wide range of activities – including charity quizzes, a grand charity raffle, Christmas craft workshops, samosa sales and the sale of City Crest pin badges, alongside generous donations from supporters.
Councillor Collingswood paid particular tribute to the organisers of the popular Mayor’s Fest rock music event, whose contribution exceeded £5,000. He also thanked local businessmen Jason Guy and Scott Bernard for sponsoring the grand charity raffle and organising a charity golf day which raised several thousand pounds.
Councillor Collingswood said: “I am absolutely delighted that we have been able to raise and distribute £40,000 to four fantastic charities that provide invaluable support to people across Wolverhampton.
“The generosity shown by residents, businesses, community groups and event organisers throughout my mayoral year has been truly inspiring. Every pound raised will help these organisations continue their outstanding work supporting patients, families, children, serving personnel, veterans and NHS staff.
“I would like to sincerely thank everyone who supported our fundraising efforts, particularly the organisers of Mayor’s Fest, as well as business people Jason Guy and Scott Bernard, whose contributions made a significant difference to the overall total. It has been a privilege to support these charities and I am proud of what we have achieved together.”
Representatives from the beneficiary charities welcomed the donations and highlighted the impact the funding would have.
Katrina McNamara, branch chair of SSAFA West Midlands North, said: “I want to say a huge thank you because this will make such a difference to the armed forces community that we cover. It’s an unprecedented amount that I’ve actually received on behalf of SSAFA West Midlands North, so it’s amazing.
“Throughout the year, it wasn’t just about raising money even though that has been fabulous. It’s been about raising awareness of SSAFA, because for us to be able to do our work, means that people need to know about us, and that over the past year has been an amazing opportunity to be out and about in the City of Wolverhampton.”
Rachel Overfield, Chief Executive of Compton Care, said: “We are incredibly grateful for this generous £10,000 donation. This funding will make a significant difference to the work we do. I would like to thank Councillor Collingswood for his support.”
Emma Harewood, Community Partnership Manager for the Black Country from Acorns Children’s Hospice, said: “We were thrilled to work with Mayor Collingswood because it’s an amazing charity and we knew he would do his best for us, which he obviously has, and raised such a wonderful amount of money.”
Amanda Winwood, Charity Development Manager for Your RWTC, added: “Your RWTC appreciated having mayoral support throughout the year. It’s great to receive this generous donation. We’re confident that several teams at the Trust could benefit from this donation. On behalf of those staff members, I’d like to say a big thank you.”
The Mayor of Wolverhampton’s Charitable Fund is a registered charity which raises thousands of pounds for local good causes each year. The current Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Paul Singh, is supporting Wolverhampton Boxing Club, Wolverhampton Judo Club, The Friends of Di’s Kitchen and Inspire You during his mayoral year.
The Mayor’s Office is always grateful for donations and welcomes approaches from individuals, organisations and businesses interested in organising fundraising events in support of the Mayor’s Charitable Fund. For more information, email mayoral@wolverhampton.gov.uk.
