Host of exciting fundraisers to be held in aid of the Save our CAB campaign (From Gazette Series)

Host of exciting fundraisers to be held at the Swan in Thornbury in aid of the Save our CAB campaign

10:37am Wednesday 13th March 2013 in News By Marion Sauvebois

A HOST of exciting community events, including a barn dance and pamper night, are in the pipeline for townspeople as part of the Gazette's Save our CAB campaign.

The appeal has so far raised £2,425, donated by concerned businesses, locals and grateful Citizens Advice Bureau customers.

But the hustle is far from over as the free service needs to secure £12,000 by the end of May to pay the wages of two supervisors over the next financial year and continue to provide crucial guidance to people struggling in one of the worst recessions in living memory.

Swan manager Sandra Davies, who has taken it upon herself to support every cause brought to her attention, has joined the appeal and offered to hold a series of fundraisers over the next three months.

She said: "We feel that the CAB is an important feature to have in Thornbury as it helps those who often are struggling financially and do not have the funds to seek help and advice."

The programme of events will kick off this month with a raffle, to be held on Sunday, March 31. Prizes include a pair of tickets to New Jersey Nights on April 9 at the Bristol Hippodrome, kindly donated by the venue, a meal for two at the Swan and a Wadworth brewery tour.

This will be followed by a further two raffles in April and May, with a chance again to win two tickets respectively for Bohemian Rhapsody on May 28 and Save The Last Dance For Me on July 8, both at the Hippodrome.

The campaign will culminate in a pamper night in partnership with beauty salon Octavia on Thursday, May 2 and a barn dance on Saturday, May 11 complete with a hog roast and auction. A car wash is also on the cards.

"We are always on the look out for any donations or prizes for raffles and prizes for the auction which will take place on the night of the barn dance," Sandra added.

Among the groups and generous individuals who spared no expense to ensure the advice bureau keeps up its good work is The Thornbury Lions, which donated £500 to the CAB.

Member Ken Peers told the Gazette the initiative had struck a chord with the group.

"We felt as Thornbury is a reasonably prosperous town there was even more reason not to neglect the people who are having a hard time through no fault of their own," he said.

"If the CAB goes there will be nowhere for people desperate for help to turn. Hopefully this will tide over the CAB until the funding situation improves."

To book a stall at the pamper night or donate raffle and auction prizes contact the Swan on 01454 413062.

 

 

There are many ways readers can help support the Gazette's Save our CAB campaign.

We are looking for groups, schools, businesses and individuals to organise fundraising events.

The Gazette will be happy to publicise any event organised as part of the campaign.

Alternatively you can complete the Gazette's Save our CAB campaign coupon and return it with a donation.

We would like to hear from people who have been helped by the CAB.

To share your experience email thornbury@gazetteseries.co.uk or call 01453 540214.