MORE than £40,000 has been raised for good causes by a dedicated group of volunteers.
The Chippenham Lions Club raised the money through a year of fundraising events and donated it to organisations across Chippenham and Corsham.
Among the charities supported were Springboard Chippenham, Chippenham and District Talking Newspapers, The Wiltshire Bobby Van, Chippenham Hospital Radio, Dorothy House Hospice, Doorway, Waste Not Want Not and three foodbanks.
The homeless charity Doorway used its donation to help refurbish its base at The Citadel after it was damaged by flooding earlier this year.
Each year, the club’s president selects a charity to support, and this year Sue Gilbert chose Springboard Chippenham, which supports pre-school children with special needs and their families.
Jane Boulton, chief executive of Springboard, said: "Being chosen as the president’s charity was in itself such a privilege.
"Sue took the time to visit us, meet parents and children to really understand what a difference Springboard makes.
"Receiving a cheque for £5000 was a wonderful surprise."
She explained that the donation will directly support their work.
Ms Boulton said: "These funds go towards running of the service, helping us to keep helping others.
"We don’t want little children to have to wait for support, the difference we can make is now and these funds help us to do this.
"The Lions are working tirelessly to help local causes like ours, and for that we are forever grateful."
Emily Aspin, community and events fundraiser at Dorothy House, also expressed her thanks in a letter, noting that every penny helps improve the quality of life for patients and their families.
The funds were raised through a packed calendar of events, including the Cherished Vehicle and Family Fun Day, a performance by the Treorchy Male Choir, 80th VE Day celebrations, and Jazz on a Summer’s Evening at Goss Croft Hall in Upper Seagrey.
The Chippenham Lions, who have 27 members and 70 friends, are now preparing for their busiest season.
President Derek Angell said: "Our fundraising helps us to support all of this amazing work in our communities, as well as assisting at an international level through providing water wells and emergency disaster relief anywhere in the world.
"But it’s not all work and no play, we enjoy at least one social event a month."
The club meets at Chippenham Golf Club at 7.30pm on the third Monday of each month.
New members are welcome. For details see the Chippenham Lions website.
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