YMCA Norfolk £1m appeal passes the halfway mark

 

YMCA Norfolk’s Bethel Street project appeal has now raised £616,000 thanks to a series of generous donations from individuals, local organisations and charitable trusts.

 

YMCA Norfolk Fundraising Manager, Susie Knights, said: “We are thankful for considerable donations from Norwich Consolidated Charities, Norwich Town Close Estate Charity and Anguish’s Educational Foundation, the Garfield Weston Foundation, John Jarrold Trust, the Beatrice Laing Trust, EBM Charitable Trust, Geoffrey Watling Trust, John Jarrold Trust and the Paul Basham Trust among others.

 

“We are as equally grateful for the generosity of the many businesses, organisations and the people of Norfolk who have supported this appeal by buying a brick or making a donation.”

 

In January 2009, YMCA Norfolk opened up a brand new 34-bed assessment centre next to the Bus Station which has since been operating successfully with almost 500 applications and a 98% occupancy rate.

The second phase of development, which is well underway and due for completion in Spring 2012, will provide 40 self-contained move-on units for homeless young people on Bethel Street, which is to the rear of the existing YMCA site on St Giles Street. 

 

YMCA Norfolk CEO, Tim Sweeting, said: “This new service will improve outcomes for young people and give them a better chance of reaching their full potential. Every young person deserves the best we can offer, and this new facility will help us offer the care and respect that they need to overcome the significant difficulties they will have faced before reaching us.” 

 

Last year, as part of the £1m appeal, the Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Rev Graham James, Chair of the YMCA Norfolk Council of Patrons, launched a Brick Appeal to pay for the 70,000 bricks that are being used to build the new development.

 

Just £1 covers the cost of each brick, mortar and labour that will be required for the development.  It is hoped that this part of the £1m appeal will enable the YMCA to receive small amounts of money from as wide a cross-section of the community as possible with a view to making long-term friends and supporters. 

 

You can also make a small donation simply using your mobile phone. Just text YMCA66 to 70070 with the amount you want to donate (from £1-£10).

 

You can find out all about YMCA Norfolk, the £1m Appeal and see latest pictures of the development as work progresses at www.ymca-norfolk.org.uk 

 

An open invitation has been extended to anyone who would like to attend the YMCA Norfolk Annual Celebration on October 18, at 5.45pm at the Open Venue in Norwich, which will include performances and contributions from a number of young YMCA residents.