Intrepid staff at Lighthouse Poole are preparing to take to the water to launch the venue’s annual Big Christmas Appeal and give the gift of live theatre to those in need.
The team of at least ten members of staff are in training to circumnavigate Brownsea Island on Saturday 31 October.
“Whether by kayak, paddleboard or even in the support boat, this is Lighthouse at its very best – making a splash to help bring the wonders of live arts and entertainment to those in our community who might otherwise miss it,” says Development Coordinator George Rogers.
Last year, four members of the Lighthouse team successfully completed the venue’s first ever challenge in aid of the Big Christmas Appeal, running the Bournemouth Half Marathon and raising more than £2,000 towards the Appeal’s eventual record-breaking total of more than £20,000.
The Big Christmas Appeal is an annual fundraising campaign in which Lighthouse raises money to help it give thousands of tickets to children, families and other groups from our community who might not otherwise be able to experience the magic of live theatre, music and cinema.
Young carers, looked after children, families reliant on foodbanks, children facing life-changing cancer treatments and older people living in isolation – all can benefit from being able to see shows and events throughout the year. Sometimes it’s just for a day of respite, other times to ignite a lifelong love of the creative arts.
Jo Sharkey, Family Support and Bereavement Lead at Lewis Manning Hospice Care, the Poole-based charity that helps people with life limiting illnesses, explained how powerful it can be for families to gain some respite from day-to-day challenges: “Having the tickets gave families the opportunity to ‘escape’ for a few hours from life that had brought difficulties through the year, and I can’t thank the Christmas Appeal Fund enough for making a difference.”
To donate please visit the Just Giving page on the link below:
George Rogers is fundraising for Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts
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Photo shows (l-r): Development Coordinator George Rogers, Head of Development Emma Bovey, Corporate Development and Events Manager Lucy Funnell, Friends and Individual Giving Executive Jonathan Smith
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