Reach Learning Disability’s festive fundraiser surpasses £52,000 target thanks to Goosedale’s support

A charity’s ambitious Christmas fundraising goal of £52,000 was achieved in just one week — with £13,000 raised at one event.

Reach Learning Disability participated in the Big Give Christmas Challenge, a national matched funding initiative that doubles donations made to local charities during the campaign.

Thanks to huge support from events venue Goosedale, the charity has been able to exceed its target for the ‘Let’s Move’ campaign, which aimed to break down barriers which can prevent people with learning disabilities from keeping fit and healthy.

With Big Give’s matched funding and further offline matched funding, the total value of Goosedale’s support is £13,624.

Fundraising took place during a Diwali evening hosted at Goosedale in November, and was attended by businesses from across the region.

Dominic Hayer, director at Goosedale, said: “Funds were raised through auctions, and games, with generous donations from our guests. I would like to thank everyone who joined us, as well as St James Hotel, DSK Group, Mattioli Woods and many others for supporting our efforts to fundraise for Reach.

“Diwali is about reflection, appreciating what we have, bringing peace and light in the world. We are delighted to help those most in need, by bringing light and hope to the lives of local people with learning disabilities.”

The funds raised through the campaign, including Goosedale’s efforts, will go towards weekly sports, fitness, and exercise opportunities at its five centres, opportunities for adults with learning disabilities to become sports mentors, and new challenge activities, outings, and sports taster sessions.

The £52,000 target, which has been exceeded, is enough for the charity to enable 150 adults with learning disabilities to increase their weekly activity and reduce risk of avoidable poor health, feel more confident to keep active at home, and try new sports.

Julia Sandhu, fundraising director at Reach, said: “We are beyond grateful to the Goosedale team for enabling Reach to benefit from their very special Diwali evening. The magnificent sum raised will support our sports and fitness activities for adults with learning disabilities in Nottinghamshire, helping people to reduce their risk of avoidable poor health.

“Thanks to incredible supporters like Goosedale and their guests, more people with learning disabilities can look forward to happier, healthier lives.”