EACH Director of Fundraising and Communications Kevin Clements has written an open letter thanking those who supported the charity in 2022. It was another year of fundraising success and, despite obvious challenges, hopes are high that EACH continues breaking new ground and goes from strength to strength in 2023.
As we usher in the new year, it seems an opportune time to reflect upon and express my heartfelt thanks to those who made 2022 so memorable for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
Despite challenges along the way, genuine teamwork meant we accomplished so much, from outstanding fundraising success and recognition at awards ceremonies to a fun, packed and varied programme of events.
There were highlights galore, from our long-running Ride for Life cycle challenge, the 32-mile pier-to-pier walk from Cromer to Great Yarmouth, a Bubble Rush in Norwich and a Splash Out! in Bury St Edmunds to the astonishing success of Happy Christmas Ipswich 3, inspired by Griff Rhys Jones, which raised an eye-watering £106,000.
We were also hugely honoured to receive a visit from The Prince and Princess of Wales to our Milton hospice in June, coinciding with Children’s Hospice Week, and Her Royal Highness remains a loyal champion in her role as Royal Patron.
The tremendous teamwork mentioned above and the care we provide families clearly includes staff and it’s a joy to work alongside such talented, driven and dedicated people – colleagues who care passionately about our charity.
However, our success is mainly thanks to many others and not least the army of selfless EACH volunteers. Our charity would not function without these wonderful people. Volunteers truly make the difference and it was a real highlight for me personally to meet so many at our special thank you events in Norfolk and Suffolk.
I would also like to express my gratitude to everyone who supports EACH. Whether you purchase items from our shops, sign up for an event, make a donation or pop coins in a collection bucket, you are doing your bit to make our collective achievements possible. The same goes for the businesses who support us, not to mention the fun, innovative ways that people raise money within the community. It never ceases to impress and astound me what people do.
So many others helped make it a positive year and our combined efforts mean we continue to offer the very best, world-class care and support to children, young people and families across East Anglia.
We never take public support and generosity for granted and, in terms of fundraising, this coming year represents an unknown quantity. It remains to be seen what impact the cost-of-living crisis has on the charity sector but, despite this, we look forward with positivity, optimism and excitement. Hopefully we can continue to count on the help of our fabulous supporters in 2023.
To find out more, please take a look at our website at www.each.org.uk. You will also find links outlining the many different ways to support us and get involved, including two new events – the Tree Top Drop Challenge and a second pier-to-pier walk, this time 16 miles from Lowestoft to Southwold.
Thank you again – and a Happy New Year from everyone at EACH!
