Cllr Debs Edwards, Reading’s Mayor during 2018-19, presented cheques to her chosen charities on Tuesday 10 September – and Launchpad received almost £2,500.
During her Mayoral year, Cllr Debs Edwards fundraised £9,861.82 which was equally split between her chosen charities – Launchpad Reading, YMCA Reading, Berkshire West Your Way and Berkshire Womens’ Aid.
Fundraising initiatives during Cllr Edward’s time as Mayor included the sale of charity Christmas cards and proceeds from the sale of tickets from the Mayor’s Let’s Sing Competition in March, as well as sponsored teams taking part in the 2019 Sage Reading Half Marathon in March and a charity quiz and silent auction at Reading Town Hall in April.
Cllr Edwards said about the donation:“I am absolutely thrilled by the generous amount we’ve raised for my chosen charities and would like to thank everyone who supported our fundraising activities throughout the year. The local community, businesses, Reading Borough Council staff, family and friends have been amazing!
“Reading is a thriving town but there are many people facing tough times who receive amazing help and support from the fantastic voluntary sector we have here. I have had the honour of working with a number of great charities and community groups who use their skills, knowledge and compassion to help others. So many good causes will benefit from this fund.”
During her year as Mayor, Cllr Debs Edwards took part in Big Sleep Out and is due sleep out at Reading Abbey Ruins this year. Sophie Stokes, Launchpad Fundraiser, said: “We are so grateful to Councillor Debs Edwards for choosing Launchpad as one of her charities. We are very proud that Debs was the first Reading Mayor to take part in our Big Sleep Out. No one should have to endure sleeping on the streets, which is why Launchpad helps vulnerable people in Reading tackle their housing-related problems, obtain and sustain a long-term home and lead full and independent lives. It’s with events like Big Sleep Out and the generosity of our supporters that we are able to continue our work to prevent homelessness in Reading.”
