Sunshine & Smiles hit their Aviva Community Fund Crowdfunding target for The Sunshine Hub
Thank you so much to everyone who donated and supported the charity over the 49 days of crowdfunding.
It means so much knowing we have the support to make The Sunshine Hub happen. We also want to say a big thank you to the Aviva UK colleagues who chose to donate to Sunshine & Smiles.
This would not have been possible without the ongoing support from Aviva UK who, on 16th April, called us to say they would top up our fundraiser after we reached nearly £4,000 in 44 days. On 22nd April 2020 Sunshine & Smiles successfully raised £5,085 with 152 supporters.
About the Crowdfunding project
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
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