Charity ‘astounded’ as it raises £1.3m in 36 hours
V IN A heartwarming demonstration of support for learning disability charity Kisharon, more than 3,000 donors have raised £1.3 million in just 36 hours.
The appeal total exceeded the expectations of organisers, who had set what they considered an ambitious target of bringing in £1 million to replace lost income from its cancelled annual dinner.
The money will allow Kisharon to extend the period it can maintain operational services during government restrictions.
Chief executive Richard Franklin expressed himself “astounded, overwhelmed and in awe of just how generous our community has been over two short days.
“Without exception, everyone engaged in such a positive way. It has enabled the wonderful team I serve to have renewed hope for the first time in eight long hard weeks where over 25 per cent of our workforce — including myself — were Covid symptomatic and self-isolated.”
Mr Franklin told the JC that the £1.3 million would go “a long way towards covering costs to the end of the year”. As well as making up the projected dinner revenue, it also covered around £250,000 in lost income from other cancelled events and challenges. With money raised pre-Covid taken into account, the charity still needed to bring in £400,000 to reach the £2 million originally budgeted to be generated from the community this year.
Mr Franklin pointed out that its budget was continually being updated given both the impact of the lockdown and the anticipated effect of any relaxation of regulations, which in Kisharon’s terms would mean additional staff and PPE costs.
All core services remain operational and he thanked the “incredible staff who have gone above and beyond to ensure continuity of support. Notwithstanding this, we placed 20 per cent of staff on the Job Retention Scheme, predominantly in social enterprises, adult day and support services.”
Although the charity’s new school building in Hendon will be ready to move into in September, “we will be following government guidelines in relation to the opening of the site and the full return of students.The safety of our students, as well as teachers, in this new learning environment will always be our priority .
“There has been a really strong demand for places and student numbers will increase from 32 to 45, with two extra classes anticipated from opening. We had always planned a phased opening regardless of Covid and the enlargement is in line with our five- year plan for the school.”
Kisharon services benefit more than 350 people with learning disabilities each week. A telephone helpline and online support service help 13,500 people annually.
This will go a long way to covering costs to the end of the year’