Throughout 2017, our branch fundraised for the Friends of St Francis School and raised a total of £782. In February this year, we were informed that our request for matched funds from the Hays Travel Foundation had been successful, making the total amount, which we presented to the school at a meeting with Fareham Rotary club - £1564.
Working as a team we did an Easter raffle, held 2 coach trips, one mystery tour a Christmas Market tour to Bath and a Christmas raffle.
Assistant Head Teacher at St Francis School, Imogen, who we presented the cheque to was overwhelmed. We had not told her that we had funds matched and she was thrilled with the amount raised.
The school were raising funds for a minibus to ease the transport of pupils who go to the school. Many of them have physical disabilities and use wheelchairs, or walking frames. The Fareham Rotary club had also been fundraising and they donated £1218 to make our original donation up to £2000. This was around £1000 short of the amount outstanding for the cost of a minibus. With the match funds, they are around £218 short of the final figure required.
With the purchase of a second mini bus being considered, the school will be needing support with fundraising in the coming year. We have lots of fresh fundraising plans in place and can’t wait to see them come to life.
