Charity’s plea for support during funding ambiguity
ADROPIN centre is appealing to the community to get involved with ‘ Fundraising February’ as they nervously await a decision on future funding.
The Parachute drop-in centre was set up by Macclesfield Speaking Up Speaking Out (SUSO), a charity which is run with and for adults with learning disabilities and additional needs, thanks to a communities grant from the Big Lottery.
The grant is due to come to an end in April, and while staff are hoping the funding will be extended for another five years, they are hoping to generate as much support as possible to ensure the organisation can continue to provide the services in the meantime.
Karen Keen, project manager said: “Another five years of funding would be just amazing and really enable us to look ahead to develop the drop-in and help make things better for our dropper-inners.
“However, we will not know for some time whether or not we have been successful. So in the meantime we are working hard to raise additional important funds so we can keep up the great work.”
One of the group’s aims is to raise awareness and challenge misconceptions about learning disabilities at schools and through community events.
The organisation needs help to continue providing its popular drop-in service, delivering on average 55 sessions per week, and fortnightly social events.
In March, group members look forward to a visit to the Houses of Parlia- ment for a guided tour and meeting with Macclesfield MP David Rutley.
‘Fundraising February’ events will include a Valentine’s raffle. Volunteers will be selling raffle tickets at the Grosvenor Centre on Thursday and Friday, February 12 and 13, with a Valentine’s event at the drop-in centre on February 14.
On February 22, the volunteers will also be hosting a stall at the Treacle Market in St Michael’s Church gardens.
Street collections will also be held on Wednes- day, February 11 and Thursday, February 19.
Other events will include a supermarket bag-pack, sponsored walk and Valentine’s party.
To make a donation visit: http://www. maccsuso.org.uk/ making-a-donation/.