The Wellspring is a Stockport based resource centre for homeless and disadvantaged people. The doors are open every day serving over 30,000 free meals a year to those who would otherwise go hungry.
During these difficult economic times it is apparent that the need for charity increases whilst donations decrease. When the Vernon learned that there had been a dramatic fall in Harvest Festival donations just as Wellspring visitor numbers increased, we set about to help redress the balance with a number of fundraising activities.
Fundraising activities during 2008 & 2009
The Wellspring Tin Appeal
As well as Vernon branches acting as a collection point for food donations during the charity's Christmas tin appeal, the Vernon also donated £750 to the Wellspring's food account at Parfetts Cash and Carry. When Parfett's Managing Director Steve Parfett heard of the intiative he kindly topped up the donation to £1,000.
Charity Christmas Cards
We teamed up with The Wellspring to produce a Christmas card for which we funded the print costs. The card, designed by a member of The Wellspring's art group, was sold in branches of the Vernon throughout December 2008 & 2009.
One of our own Customer Advisers also regularly hand makes her own cards. Each card sold at our Bramhall branch results in a £1 donation to The Wellspring.
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Charity Band Concerts
We held two charity concerts in 2008 in aid of The Wellspring and local charity the Furniture Station. The Vernon Building Society (Poynton) Brass Band provided an impressive selection of music and kept the audience thoroughly entertained with several pieces even involving audience participation.
Total proceeds raised from both concerts reached £1,865.
Wellspring New Building
Over the last two years the Vernon has raised in excess of £4000 for The Wellspring.
Generous donations from customers and staff alike, along with further fundraising intiatives by The Wellspring, has enabled the charity to move into a much needed new building.
"The Wellspring would like to thank the Vernon and its members for their ongoing support. Over 100 people have been rehoused by The Wellspring in the last 12 months and without the generous support of all at the Vernon none of this work would have been possible."
Jonathan Billings, Project Coordinator, The Wellspring
www.thewellspring.co.uk