A CROWD-pleasing new way of fund-raising could help a bonfire party for disabled children go with a bang.

New Hope in Wells Road, Worcester, is asking supporters to crowdfund one of its biggest annual events rather than hold the usual jumble sale which has helped to pay for the party in the past.

Crowdfunding is the collective effort of individuals who network and pool their money, usually via the internet, to support efforts initiated by other people.

The charitable organisation needs to raise £334 to pay for the party and has set up a profile on crowdfunder.co.uk for people to pledge donations from £5 and upwards.

They have until Tuesday, September 17, at 9.51am to reach their total and the money is only taken from people’s credit or debit cards if the full amount is raised.

Crowdfunding projects have become increasingly more popular over the last couple of years with people helping to set up projects including new businesses, film and music production and youth groups using the websites.

Jean Wilson, New Hope’s manager, found out about the crowdfunding when she watched BBC One’s Inside Out programme which featured an unemployed man who crowdfunded a vegetable production business staffed by other unemployed people.

“Every year we usually fund it ourselves by doing a jumble sale but thought it would be nice to have extra money this year to pay for a juggler or candy floss machine to make it extra special,” she said.

The charitable organisation currently supports 83 families with respite care and over half of the families attend the bonfire evening.

It is one of three main family fun events on its calendar which includes New Hope’s birthday party in July and a Christmas celebration.

“The bonfire night is amazing because usually what happens is a lot of our children can’t cope with waiting for the big displays, they can’t manage hanging around and a lot of them are scared of fireworks.

“If the children are scared at our parties they can stay inside and come outside only if they want to.

“They can really enjoy the fireworks, just like their friends do, in a safe environment that they already know really well. It’s great because it means their siblings can join in and it is just really lovely.”

She said it had been relatively easy to set up the crowdfunding page and had already had two pledges after she sent the link out to supporters. Anyone wishing to pledge money should log on to crowdfunder.co.uk/bonfire-partynewhope.

l New Hope is still appealing for 1970s memorabilia, especially tank tops, for a fund-raising nostalgia evening on Saturday, October 12.

The venue has changed to The Punchbowl Inn, Lichfield Avenue, and tickets are now £10.

There will be a retro buffet, games and fancy dress is optional. To book tickets, call Jean Wilson on 07847 377760.