Winter Charity Appeal 2015/2016

Our Jane Bannister Memorial Winter Appeal this year has been a great success. The final total raised was £1,494.88 which is a fantastic effort, and we would like to offer our sincere thanks to everyone who so generously donated. The money raised has been split equally between this year’s nominated local charities, Mosaic and New Forest Nightstop.

Dorset Humanists has raised thousands of pounds in previous years for worthwhile charities. The appeal is named in memory of Jane Bannister (1941-2013) who was Chair of Dorset Humanists until 2009.

David Warden, Chair of Dorset Humanists, said, “We feel privileged to be able to make a positive difference to the lives of young homeless people, and bereaved children and young people. Jane would have been proud to know we’ve continued her efforts to support worthy local charities”.

Mosaic is a Dorset-wide charity offering a pathway of support to bereaved children, young people and their families. It also works with young people who are facing the death of a loved one. It provides individual, family and group support. Every child has the opportunity to attend a residential weekend programme where they can meet others and share their experiences. The charity receives some Local Authority funding but all other money has to be raised from alternative sources including donations from local groups. A representative from Mosaic spoke about their work helping bereaved children and young people at our Saturday 9^th January meeting.

New Forest Nightstop provides the only emergency overnight accommodation for homeless 16-24 year olds in the homes of trained and approved host households around the New Forest. Jude Todd, Manager of New Forest Nightstop  has previously led a presentation for Dorset Humanists on the plight of homeless people and her charity’s valuable work to help them.

Chair of Dorset Humanists David Warden is pictured presenting cheques to Jude Todd, Manager of New Forest NightStop (top right), and to Margaret Hannibal of Mosaic (bottom right).