Once again, a Felixstowe choir has made donations to charities and good causes, chosen by their members.
A total of £1,500 was given to projects nominated and voted for by choir members. The lucky recipients were: The Hub at St Philips, Felixstowe (food bank etc), Cuppa Cafe (warm hub and lunches), Guide Dogs for the Blind and the East Anglian Air Ambulance.
The cheques were presented at a choir rehearsal, at the Orwell Hotel, Felixstowe and accepting cheques were Carolyn Jones from St Mary’s church, Felixstowe on behalf of The Hub, Sarah Fitch from Cuppa Cafe, Walton and choir member Clare Burman, with her guide dog Saffron.
“We are a non-profit-making choir, run by volunteers, so money from our weekly raffle, and any surplus funds, are given to charity,” explained choir founder, Rachel Sloane. “When our members choose small local projects, our donation make a real difference to their work. The inclusion of Guide Dogs for the Blind is especially relevant as we have a very patient and popular four-legged member, Saffy, who comes to choir with her owner Clare.”
Since they were formed, over ten years ago, Felixstowe Community Choir has given £36,500, to charity, as well as appearing in many fundraising concerts and events.
Felixstowe Community Choir meets at the Orwell Hotel on Monday evenings throughout the year (including Bank Holidays) and anyone over 18 is welcome to attend. Singers pay £5 per week, and there is the charity raffle. The choir sings mainly show tunes and pop songs, and there is no audition, sheet music or special clothes to buy. There are usually around sixty men and women attending, led by their music coach and accompanist, professional musician, Emily Bennett.