Huge success for Chard based children’s charity thanks to ‘Grow Your Tenner’ campaign

Oct. 26, 2012 - PRLog -- In partnership with Localgiving.com, the Somerset Community Foundation has been working hard to encourage businesses and individuals from South Somerset to donate to their favourite local causes via the fundraising site. The ‘Grow Your Tenner’ campaign matches £10 donations made through Localgiving.com, meaning the original donation increases significantly to over £21. Since its launch, the South Somerset region has received over 150 donations from individuals and businesses, which have already been put to good use.

So far, one of the main beneficiaries from the campaign has been children’s charities. For example, Streetspace, in Chard, which was set up in May 2006, is an innovative youth project, working hard with young people in and around Chard, to build positive relationships and working on practical projects to improve the local area. Streetspace, which also has charities in Birmingham and Tiverton, collectively helps more than 7,000 young people grow in confidence, self-esteem and develop a sense of belonging and self worth.

Whilst working closely with the Somerset Community Foundation and its ‘Grow Your Tenner’ campaign, the local community is now benefitting from Streetspace’s work, by seeing an increase in community participation and a vast reduction in anti-social behaviour.

Richard Passmore, National Youth Work Development Advisor and Streetspace Project Leader, has been working closely with the Somerset Community Foundation since its launch in 2006. He says, “The Somerset Community Foundation’s campaigns always have a
positive impact on our charity and we are grateful for all its support. Streetspace brings young people together to engage in positive activities to improve their community. We work closely with the council, and the reduction in anti-social behaviour in Chard has been one of our greatest successes, along with the skatepark renovation in Henson Park.”

Sarah Robson from Chard Town Council, adds, “Chard Town Council is proud to support Streetspace and the work they are doing in our local community.  I was delighted to be invited to get involved when the young people approached the Council two years ago, wanting to develop the skatepark. It was fantastic working closely with everyone from Streetspace, you couldn’t help but be impressed by their energy, commitment and enthusiasm with the project. It’s fantastic to see the positive impact on the community the success of this project has had. The provision of the improved facilities has made a real difference in this area.”

Designed to make important donations go even further, the ‘Grow Your Tenner’ campaign, with the support of Gift Aid, will boost all donations by up to 120 per cent. It has been organised by the Somerset Community Foundation, which has strengthened local communities within Somerset and is part of the national group of Community Foundations, which support over 90 per cent of the UK’s population.

Justin Sargent, Chief Executive of The Somerset Community Foundation, says, “The campaign is going extremely well and the feedback is very encouraging. However, we don’t want to stop yet, there is still Government money left and we want South Somerset charities to benefit. The ‘Grow Your Tenner’ campaign is the public’s chance to make a difference and help a worthy cause in their local area.”

The Somerset Community Foundation provides a straightforward way for local donors to make a lasting difference to their local community, making local giving easier and more effective. Anyone wishing to make a donation should visit: www.localgiving.com.