“My life has changed overnight, thanks to you. I am a man of 45 years and cried when I opened your letter. I can finally eat two meals a day, instead of one every other day;” wrote Mr M who recently became a Caravan beneficiary.
Thanks to your support, Caravan the industry charity, can help improve the lives of people like Mr M who did not know where to turn for support. During the past twelve months the charity has helped more than 3,000 people, and has spent a record £2.1 million on welfare support, be it financial assistance or through the new Helpline. This support has made the world of difference. Help can include an annual grant, emergency payments to assist during a difficult period, the purchase of essential basic items or various mobility services to help people stay independent and in their own homes.
The Caravan Helpline, launched in July 2010, supports those who are struggling with financial and emotional issues. It is available 24 hours a day and is more than simply an 0800 number; it offers support and advice from financial matters to support in critical situations both online and via the phone. Cathy Mercer, Caravan Welfare Development Director, comments; “This is a very exciting venture for the charity and one that we will expand upon in the coming year.”
This welfare support is only possible thanks to a record-breaking fundraising total of £2.7M. Amongst the many high profile fundraising activities for Caravan, all of which contributed to the overall success of the year, the Annual Diamond Ball and the Sporting Heroes Luncheon raised more than £450,000 combined. Our thanks for helping us to achieve this total go to Mark Price, Managing Director of Waitrose for the enormous contribution he has made to Caravan during his tenure as President of the Fundraising Committee.
The Caravan regional branches also contributed an astounding £815,077 which only further emphasises the important role our regional committees play in the success of the charity.
“Times are always challenging for charities, whether it is the impact of cuts in government services or the contraction within our own industry. It is thanks to your support that we are able to continue to face these challenges,” Gillian Barker, Caravan Director General commented.
