50% of the way there for Sunshine Hub

We have partnered with Aviva UK Community Fund to raise £5,000 to kickstart The Sunshine Hub.

35 days in and we are at an amazing £2,411!!

Thank you so much to everyone who have donated so far, it means so much knowing we have the support to make The Sunshine Hub happen. We want to say a huge thank you to the Aviva UK colleagues who have been pledging ahead of their deadline next week.  

Aviva UK selected the Leeds Down Syndrome Network as one of their charities after Sunshine & Smiles applied for their support in creating a home for the charity. 

It has always been a dream to have a Sunshine Hub for and run by people with Down syndrome in Leeds and this is the kick-starter to raising the funds to make it happen. 

Service Manager at Sunshine & Smiles, Ailith Harley-Roberts Said,

"We have the opportunity to take over the lead tenancy of a community hall that we have been using for the last 6 years. This opportunity would enable us to create secure base for our charity and develop the centre to make it a vibrant and welcoming space for the local community. We would want to develop a project we have started - creating work opportunities for people with Down syndrome. We would have a strong emphasis on having people with Down syndrome employed in helping to run the centre. It would also help us to develop and grow our current services but also to raise awareness & promote inclusion in the wider community. The hall currently needs renovation and repair to make it into space that is fit for purpose but also to ensure it is completely accessible. We would propose to create a cafe & shop space, maintain the main hall for regular rentals but also for other community events & activities and to install a lift to make the basement area accessible."

More information about what the charity will do with the money - The Sunshine Hub - Community Crowdfund

How does the Crowdfunder work?

1. Aviva UK give £250,000 per quarter to charity and each member of staff is given £60 to donate to a chosen charity. Sunshine & Smiles is one of the charities. 

2. Up until 22nd April 2020 Aviva staff and the public can donate.

3. On 22nd April 2020 if Sunshine & Smiles have hit their target all proceeds will go towards their new venture. If they do not hit the target, all donations will be refunded.

We want to do our best to sustain the support and sessions we provide as best as we can at this time. While we continue to offer as much as we can, we are using our time to look ahead to projects like, The Sunshine Hub. If you are in a position to support this new venture, you can visit the Aviva Community Fund by clicking here. Thank you!

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