A sizeable fundraising target of £1,000 has been left in the wake after the Fostering NEL Dragon Boat team paddled its way to raise a staggering amount for charity.
The funds raised will make a huge difference to Comfort Cases UK, which provides children entering care with backpacks filled with essentials and comforting items.
The charity helps children and young people begin their care journey with dignity, while providing practical items and a sense of comfort at what can be an uncertain and often emotional time in their lives.
While the exact amount raised is still being counted, every pound will help Comfort Cases continue supporting children and young people as they begin their care journey.
Sarah Jacoby, co-founder and CEO of Comfort Cases UK, said:
“We are incredibly proud that the NEL Fostering Team and local foster carers have become our first distribution partner to fundraise for the children we support in their own community.
“They have seen first-hand what it means when a child arrives in care carrying their belongings in a bin bag, and they chose to turn that understanding into action. By taking to the water, bringing their community together and smashing their fundraising target, the NEL Dragon Race Dynamos have raised a significant contribution towards providing Comfort Cases for local children entering care.”
“We support more than 7,000 children and young people entering, moving through and leaving care each year, but the number we can reach is limited entirely by the funds available. We receive no statutory funding, so every Comfort Case and XL Comfort Duffel is made possible by people, businesses and communities deciding that dignity matters.
“This fundraiser shows the extraordinary difference a distribution partner can make beyond placing an order. You already know the children in your community and the challenges they face. By rallying your networks, hosting an event, taking on a challenge or sharing local connections, you can help ensure that more children receive something of their own at a moment when almost everything familiar has been taken away.
“Thank you to every member of the team, every foster carer, every donor and everyone who cheered from the waterside. You have shown local children that they matter, because no child should carry their life in a bin bag.”
Director of children’s services Ann-Marie Matson said: “We are absolutely overwhelmed by the support we’ve received.
“A huge thank you goes to everyone who donated, shared our fundraising page, came along to support us on the day, and cheered us on from the sidelines. Your generosity will have a real impact on children and young people entering care.
“Thank you to our fostering staff, foster carers and supporters for their enthusiasm, commitment and teamwork. You have made a real difference to children and young people, and that is something we should all be proud of.”
The dragon boat race, organised by the Rotary Club of Grimsby, took place earlier this month at Alexandra Dock, Grimsby, where Fostering NEL competed against a wide range of teams from across the local area.
👉 To find out more about fostering in North East Lincolnshire, visit: https://www.nelincs.gov.uk or contact the fostering team on 01472 323966 or [email protected].
👉 Comfort cases website: https://comfortcasesuk.org/
🔗 There’s still time to donate:
https://www.justgiving.com/team/fosteringnel?utm_medium=TE&utm_source=CL
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