Racing Welfare
Racing Welfare COVID 19 Emergency Appeal
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GENEROSITY OF RACING COMMUNITY HITS THE TARGET FOR RACING WELFARE
Racing Welfare is saying thank you to the racing industry this week as they have announced that their Covid-19 Emergency Appeal has hit its £500k target. The appeal was launched when the pandemic hit to make up for the huge income deficit that the charity faced as COVID meant the cancellation of their usual fundraising events. It is testament to the generosity of the racing industry that the £500k target has been reached before the end of the year.
The announcement comes in the same week the charity has sent out nearly 600 Christmas Boxes to retired racing staff who in normal times would be joining together for Christmas lunches across the country. Finding ways of bringing the racing community together during the pandemic has been a key part of the charity's work to combat loneliness and isolation during 2020. Projects such as check in calls and the Facebook group, Racing Conversation, have provided lifelines to many over what has been a tough time.
Fran Marshall, a member of the Racing Conversation group said:
Having worked at racecourses in a sociable, customer facing role for more than 30 years it was a big change to suddenly have to self-isolate on my own."
"Racing Welfares weekly Racing Conversation Q&As have helped me to feel that sense of community and to connect with others, albeit from behind a screen. The hosts are entertaining, informative and give insight right across the industry, I look forward to tuning in every Thursday.
The kindness and generosity shown donors from across the racing industry has been astounding and Racing Welfare is keen to say a huge thank you to each and every person who has donated to their Emergency Appeal over the last few months. From big racing organisations to individual donors, every penny contributed has helped the charity to adapt quickly to the changes this year has brought and enabled them to continue to provide crucial services to racings workforce.
Racing Welfare Chief Executive, Dawn Goodfellow said:
I can honestly say that we have been overwhelmed by the generosity of the racing community. The news that we have hit our target is a great boost as we head towards the end of 2020 and is a wonderful reflection of the unwavering support we have received this year. I cannot say thank you enough to everyone who has donated during what has been a tough time for so many. I very much hope everyone in the industry is able to enjoy the festive period and remind anyone who needs support that Racing Welfare remains available 24/7 throughout this time.