A Suffolk-based charity came together with businesses and individuals in the county to purchase much-needed sensory equipment for a Bury St Edmunds special school.
Students at Riverwalk School, in Chevington Close, are already benefiting from a ‘Magic Carpet’ sensory mat.
The purchase was made possible through a series of fundraising events, organised in support of the GeeWizz charitable foundation.
A special presentation, attended by former Ipswich Town and England footballer Terry Butcher, who is a GeeWizz ambassador, was held this week and donors were able to see children interacting with the equipment.
Fundraising events for the equipment included an auction at Lacy Scott and Knight and an art exhibition at Maison Bleue.
Other donations and support came from TMJ Interiors, St Edmundsbury Financial Services and the Last family.
Jan Hatchell, headteacher at Riverwalk, said: “We are indebted to our local businesses and GeeWizz for this fantastic donation.
“We would like to thank everyone who supported the fundraising for the Magic Carpet. It is a fantastic way to engage with the children and motivate them.
“You can see how much they enjoy it and we know a child needs to be happy and motivated to learn.”
Eddie Crichton, partner at Lacy Scott & Knight, said: “As a father-of-four, it has been truly humbling to visit the school and see how our fundraising has supported their fantastic work.
“GeeWizz is a fabulous charity and this is a great school on our doorstep – we are delighted to be supporting both.”
Karine Canevet, joint owner of Maison Bleue, said: “We have supported GeeWizz from day one because we know the money we raise goes directly to supporting people in our community.
“This transparent giving is extremely important to us and it is wonderful to see the young pupils at Riverwalk School really enjoy and benefit from this equipment.”
The presentation was also attended by charity trustee Andrew Long and new GeeWizz executive manager Crystal Barber.
Crystal said: “GeeWizz prides itself on our transparent giving and the fact anyone who supports the charity can see first-hand how their fundraising and donations make a direct difference in their community.
“The Magic Carpet will clearly benefit so many young pupils at Riverwalk School and this would not have been possible without businesses supporting GeeWizz.”
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