Milsoms, Fenwick of Colchester, Tippers R Us and Trucks R Us, Emmaus Suffolk... they’re all on Gina Long’s list of folk to thank
We have so much to celebrate this month, thanks to the generous support from many amazing people. The brainchild of Geraldine Milsom saw more than 250 women gathered at Milsoms Kesgrave Hall for the first Fenwick and Milsom Hotels Fashion Show, where a magnificent £6,600 was raised for my charity GeeWizz.
These events don’t just happen. They happen only because of the hard work of the dedicated teams involved. Their great attention to detail sees these special events run so smoothly.
Pam Davies, founder of Fashion Candy Style, and her models strutted their stuff, showcasing Fenwick Colchester’s new collection beautifully.
The Dellar family from Kesgrave can now have a much-needed DIY SOS home makeover, thanks to Geraldine Milsom, Julie Hayward from Fenwicks Colchester and all those who supported this great event.
We have also had pledges of support from ever-generous Suffolk business owners Guy Nicholls (Tippers R Us and Trucks R Us), Matt Cottrell (Cottrell Brickwork and Ceramics) and Michael Mills, all of whom pledge to do whatever it takes to get the job done.
Daniel Dellar, aged just 14, has Dravet’s syndrome, a rare condition that causes many unpredictable seizures. Daniel’s mum, Mandy, explained how not having a bath downstairs makes their lives very difficult. Daniel’s greatest pleasure in life is bath time. Having a new bathroom downstairs and a house makeover will transform their lives.
n I am indebted to my friend, renowned garden designer Janey Auchincloss, for coming to the rescue of the Women’s Aid Centre garden in Bury St Edmunds. Janey is designing a new garden and play area.
Thanks also go to Duncan Haydon of Seamans Builders and Austin Cornish of Bury Developments, who each devote huge amounts of their personal time to charity. Both are donating the materials to support Janey in creating her magic.
n Emmaus Ipswich is changing its name to Emmaus Suffolk. Nothing else will change; it will still be offering volunteering opportunities of meaningful activities within its social enterprise for vulnerable adults. This change facilitates its ability to widen its offer of service across the county.
Since opening in February, 2016, it has helped over 20 people into work, two people into accommodation and has over 50 individuals volunteering with it.
Emmaus had an amazing fundraising event at Otley Hall this summer and raised a whopping £3,300. Terry Waite CBE opened the event and really got involved! (See picture, right)
Many plans are in place for 2018, including a community garden in Ipswich and an up-cycling workshop! Emmaus is also looking for a new chair to lead the trustees, so please get in contact with Claire Staddon, operations manager, on 07827779190, if you are interested in this position.
n Tools with a Mission has a goal to collect unwanted tools, refurbish them, sort them into trade kits and send them across the world for livelihood creation.
Every year unwanted tools give thousands of people a chance to create a sustainable livelihood for their families and the opportunity to move out of poverty for life. The trade kits involve agriculture, building, carpentry, mechanics, IT, tailoring, scholar packs for kids and more.
Partner charities are diverse. They use the tools to build schools, and run workshops and training institutes to offer vocational training that gives people a livelihood, helping them to raise themselves and their families out of poverty and resist falling back in.
The recipients of tools can be anyone from an ex-child soldier to a child-headed family; from a widower learning a new trade to support their family to a women’s co-operative.
TWAM are looking for volunteers in the form of van drivers and people to help refurbish tools, ready to be sent on to Africa, and are also looking for donations both of tools and financial support, to expand their global impact.
If you would like to get involved with this fantastic cause, call Roger Eyre on 01473 210220, or email rogere@twam.uk. He would love to hear from you.
n The second annual Big BRO race saw 75 participants tackle a 24km cycle ride, 4km run and 25 obstacles at The Playground, in Barrow, in aid of Suffolk Breast Cancer Now.
A fantastic total of £4,500 was raised. Organiser Laura Hudson said it was a fantastic day and she’s hoping the event will grow, now it is becoming established.
Laura added: “A lot of people said they would take part again next year, which I am really pleased about.”
n It was such joy meeting the lovely ladies at Rattlesden Market. The many cakes purchased were absolutely delicious, with all funds raised going to the RNLI. I will be back again tomorrow, where another Rattlesden Market is taking place in the village hall: 1pm-3pm.
n Congratulations to the team at Workfit at Fornham Business Court for raising over £300 from sales of their delicious homemade cakes, all in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support Coffee Morning.
Well done to everyone who hosted a coffee morning for such a lovely charity.
n Last week was National Hospice Care Week. I would like to applaud and celebrate everyone involved in providing the wonderful care given by hospices around the county. With so many budget cuts, they need our support more than ever.
n Please do send your charity stories and a photo to Gina@geewizzcharity.com and follow @geewizzgee1
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here