Community foundation reaches target.

County Durham Community Foundation and Durham Cathedral have exceeded their fundraising target.

Thanks to wonderful support from the public, the two Durham institutions have raised £2,386 through their joint #ComfortandJoy Christmas appeal.

The appeal aimed to combat loneliness and share the friendship of the Christmas season. Supporters were able to reach out to individuals and families whose lives have been affected by the pandemic. As donations were made, Christmas cards were sent to those in need. One thousand cards were sent in total.

Community foundation reaches target

Michelle Cooper, CEO of the Foundation said: “My thanks go to everyone who has supported the appeal.

“The support from the public has allowed us to send over 1,000 beautiful Christmas cards to members of the community, where they will hopefully bring some comfort and a smile.

“Ending the year with such a show of generosity from our community has been both humbling and heart-warming.”

Claire Ritson, from Faith in Our Community North East, is one of the volunteers helping to deliver the cards She has been packaging cards along with food parcels to go out to vulnerable members of the community in recent weeks.

Claire said: “We have delivered bundles of cards across our communities in Durham. Everyone loves them.”

The charity Cafe Together, based in Easington Colliery, which works with Faith in Our Community North East, have also been hard at work distributing the cards with the Christmas food hampers they’re making up for local residents.

The cards were given out by local projects that make a huge difference in their communities: PACT House, Women Today NE, Faith in Our Communities, Lifeline Community Action, Handcrafted Projects, and Just for Women.

Challenging year

Matthew Mills from Durham Cathedral said: “At the end of such a challenging year, it has been a privilege to work on this appeal with County Durham Community Foundation and six amazing grassroots organisations.

“Even though Christmas will be different this year, we hope that everyone in our communities, especially the most vulnerable, may still experience the comfort and joy of this season.”

The long-term legacy of #ComfortandJoy will be that Durham Cathedral and County Durham Community Foundation can support more individuals and organisations responding to Covid-19.  The Christmas appeal may be over, but there’s a long way to go in the recovery of the region. 

For ways to support the Foundation, click here