FUNDRAISERS have donated £35,000 to local charities and good causes since starting out five years ago.

The Independent Fundraisers of Worcester have just completed their most ambitious Christmas campaign after the charity was originally started by husband and wife, Neil and Kath Smith, and now boast 13 members.

The Group set out to raise funds for Headway, Fort Royal Community Primary School and Worcester Long Term stroke Support Group.

This year, as well as collecting gifts for Riverbank Children’s Ward at Worcester Royal Hospital The campaign commenced on behalf of Headway with a Luxury Hamper Raffle sponsored by Asda followed by a Charity Quiz Night with fish supper at The Blue Bell, Callow End, culminating with a Bucket Collection in the Counting House Entrance of Asda, Worcester.

A donation of £1,130 was made to Headway going a long way to covering their losses incurred from a recent robbery at their head office.

A second Christmas Hamper, again sponsored by Asda, was raffled at The Blue Bell as a start to the fundraising for Friends of Fort Royal Community Primary School. The charity will benefit from a donation of £1,665.

Margaret Jones, grants administrator for Fort Royal Community Primary School, said: “This annual event contributes significant funds towards equipment that helps the children enjoy their education.

"We would like to thank Independent Fundraisers, Asda, and also the people of Worcester for their generosity.”

A bucket collection was held at Tesco, St Peters for the Stroke Support Group, which helped to raise £780 for the voluntary group.

Fifty wrapped selection boxes, sponsored by Bert Andrews & Son Builders, were also distributed to children in hospital.

Kath Smith, 71, said: “Our events were really well supported by Worcester residents but also a large number of visitors to the town and we would like to thank them all for giving freely. We have recently reached our fifth anniversary as a fundraising group having donated in excess of £35,000 to local charities but it feels especially good at this time of year.”

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Margaret Jones, grants administrator for Fort Royal Community Primary School, said: “This annual event contributes significant funds towards equipment that helps the children enjoy their education.

"We would like to thank Independent Fundraisers, Asda, and also the people of Worcester for their generosity.”

A bucket collection was held at Tesco, St Peters for the Stroke Support Group, which helped to raise £780 for the voluntary group.

Fifty wrapped selection boxes, sponsored by Bert Andrews & Son Builders, were also distributed to children in hospital.

Kath Smith, 71, said: “Our events were really well supported by Worcester residents but also a large number of visitors to the town and we would like to thank them all for giving freely. We have recently reached our fifth anniversary as a fundraising group having donated in excess of £35,000 to local charities but it feels especially good at this time of year.”

For more information please visit ifworcester.co.uk