Each year, the group’s Chairman picks a charity to raise money for. Outgoing Chairman, Hannah Appleby says she chose the Camberley-based Trust as she has two children and other family members with autism, adding: “The work they do is very important to me.
“Thank you to everyone who has donated and helped to raise this fantastic total. You’ve helped in making a real difference to people’s lives and I’m proud to hand this money over on behalf of Concord Oddfellows.”
The Autism Trust aims to ‘create meaningful futures for young adults with autism’. It provides an environment to help foster independence, build life skills and generates community support and awareness of the capabilities of individuals with autism.
It also creates work experience opportunities, including ‘Polly’s Place’ on Princess Way – a gift shop and art gallery selling handcrafted items made by people with autism, their families and supporters.
Mo Wilson, General Manager and Deputy Chair of The Autism Trust UK and Polly’s Place, said: “This collaboration during the year-long fundraising effort from all at Concord Oddfellows has been a wonderful opportunity for us, a small local autism charity.
“All at the Training Centre have been encouraged to use their skills to design and create joyful and mindful table favours for Concord Oddfellows’ annual Dinner Dance. We are all incredibly proud of the wonderful hard work, care and time that the adults with autism put into each table favour and we are so grateful for this opportunity to enable us to be able to thank Concord Oddfellows members for all they were doing for us in this special way.
“All at the charity wish to send our sincere gratitude for choosing us and for raising such an incredible amount which will surely be essential in the coming year. Thanks also to all the wonderful people who have been involved in this fundraising year and for making us feel so welcome at the various events we attended. You really are the friendliest group!”
Concord Oddfellows is made up of 432 mostly older and retired local members. It is one of 96 branches that make up the Oddfellows’ nationwide network, which is one of the oldest and largest of its kind in the UK.
Anyone is welcome to join the Society, which aims to improve its members’ lives through friendship and support. It hosts a range of affordable and accessible events locally, and Oddfellows members can access a variety of benefits including care and welfare support and a travel club. There are also opportunities to volunteer and take part in fundraising initiatives.
Branch Secretary at Concord Oddfellows, Steph Hopes, said: “There’s something for everyone here and we’re a really friendly bunch.
“Anyone interested in finding out more about us should get in touch with me or come down to one of our brilliant events. You’ll be sure of a warm welcome.”
To find out more about Concord Oddfellows and its upcoming events contact Steph via email on steph.hopes@oddfellows.co.uk or call 07312 115 323. Further information can be found at www.oddfellows.co.uk.