In the week when they celebrated three years of singing together, Felixstowe Community Choir presented cheques to their two adopted charities. Joining choir members at The Orwell Hotel, Felixstowe, where they meet to sing each Monday, were representatives of SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society) and the Woolverstone Wish Appeal (Macmillan Cancer Support). Each charity received a cheque for £1,500.
“We usually fund-raise for two charities at a time” explained choir founder Rachel Sloane. “Members nominated their favourite charities and then voted on which should receive the proceeds of our weekly and concert raffles. In three years we have raised £10,000 for our charities and have also appeared in fund-raising concerts for others”.
Felixstowe Community Choir members have already voted for the next charities who will benefit from their raffles: UNICEF (for refugees) and Felixstowe Volunteer Coast Patrol Rescue Service. They also plan to give smaller amounts to other local charities.
The choir are will be singing in Felixstowe for the switching on of the Christmas Lights (Saturday 28 November), at Sutton Hoo (Sunday 29 November) and at Landguard Fort (Sunday 13 December). They meet on Mondays throughout the year (including Bank Holidays) at the Orwell Hotel and anyone over 18 is welcome to attend. Singers pay £4 per week, and there is the charity raffle.