(Click on my name by each donate button to find out which charity you want to donate to!)

In light of the current coronavirus crisis, and my sudden abundance of free time at home (!), I have decided to combine my love of dance with raising money for charities impacted by the crisis. Being at home has meant I have a lot more free time and am missing my usual daily dose of dance classes. Therefore, I have decided to challenge myself throughout the month of May!

Each day in May I will be learning a new dance and uploading a video of myself performing it onto Instagram and Facebook, and for each video I will be making a donation to this page. At the end of the 31 days, I will divide up the money I have contributed equally between my 4 chosen charities (listed below). If you enjoy watching my videos, I’d be really delighted and grateful if you wanted to join me in making a donation to my cause!

Follow my dance journey! https://www.instagram.com/lottietownend/

1. The Trussell Trust

This UK wide charity aims to set up and support food banks to fight against hunger and poverty. With the coronavirus, access to food has become a vital necessity. By donating to this charity they’ll be able to provide support and food for those who are currently suffering even more so than usual.

Find out more information here: https://www.trusselltrust.org/

You can donate via this link: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lottie-townend

2. Rett UK

An independent charity dependant on funding to help support its work concerning and helping support families with children suffering from Rett syndrome. Due to the current crisis, all of their vital fundraising projects scheduled for this year have been cancelled, meaning they are at risk of closing down. As a charity with great significance to my family, any donations you can make would be greatly appreciated!

Find out more information here: https://www.rettuk.org/covid-19-survival-fund/

You can donate via this link: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Lottie-Townend1

3. HARP

A local charity in Southend-on-Sea supporting homelessness in the area. Since moving back to the UK, I have become a lot more aware of the amount of homelessness within the country. This charity works in an area I’ve grown up visiting, and receiving donations now will allow them to continue supporting the homeless and provide them with safety in this uncertain time.

Find out more information here: https://www.harpsouthend.org.uk/covid19-emergency-appeal

You can donate via this link: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Lottie-Townend2

4. Refuge

This charity is extremely important during the current time. They provide vital support for women and children suffering from domestic violence, which is feared to rise as the population is encouraged to stay at home. Donations will allow this charity to continue providing the important care and help for the most vulnerable and at risk in our society.

Find out more information here: https://www.refuge.org.uk/

You can donate via this link: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Lottie-Townend3