AFC Wimbledon will be raising funds for Merton Giving by hosting a bucket collection at a match later this season and we are delighted to be involved with a fantastic community initiative.
Merton Giving, a charitable partnership between Merton Chamber of Commerce and Merton Voluntary Services Council and supported by Merton Council, recently passed its first birthday. Since its launch, the business community has responded incredibly to help local causes with cash donations to the Merton Giving Fund and/or non-monetary in-kind support, totalling in excess of £60,000. To continue its work, Merton Giving Week is back for 2019 and it runs from 2 December until 8 December.
Below is a bit more about the charity and what’s going on this week.
Merton Giving
The charity launched in 2018 to provide a focal point for local giving with the aim of tackling inequality in the borough of Merton. Merton Giving encourages people and businesses to give money, time, or in-kind support. The Merton Giving Fund has made its first allocation of grant funds distributing over £20,000 to 20 charities working locally. These small grants provided for local charities have an enormous impact for borough residents. Beneficiaries include the Young at Heart Club, a volunteer-led lunch club which provides hot meals and activities to isolated people in the Figges Marsh area. Funding from Merton Giving is allowing them to increase their activities and take their group on outings – helping to combat loneliness and social isolation. Funding was granted to Hearts and Minds, to provide a peer support worker for the organisation allowing them to facilitate weekly sessions for young people aged 14-25 experiencing mental health difficulties.
Buy One, Give Some
Give shopping meaning by nominating a product or service you sell and make a donation for every one sold during the week. Businesses are invited to be as creative as they like - they could even, for example, launch their own product for a week, creating a bespoke cocktail, as Suburban Bar did in 2018, or by offering a special dish of the day. Aya Cuisine donated money from every table they served during Merton Giving Week in 2018 and the charity are delighted that they are supporting the week again this year.
Funky Friday
Funky Friday is back! Why not dress in funky style on Funky Friday 6th December and make a donation to Merton Giving. You could opt for an entire outfit to make a statement or convey your style by simply adding that Funky accessory. The perfect opportunity for businesses, community groups and schools to get involved in supporting their local community.
Make your own pledge
The charity are asking people to give in their own way that works for them. Businesses could put their professional skills to good use or even run their own event? Host a quiz, bake off or donate from a sponsored event.
This year, the charity have announced that Premier Chamber member, Peacock and Co solicitors has committed to making Merton Giving their charity of the year for 2020. Their support will begin with Merton Giving Week when they will be offering their professional skills (and waiving their fees) to write wills in exchange for donations to Merton Giving.
This is a great chance to write or update your will whilst supporting Merton Giving. To find out more and book your space contact office@peacock-law.co.uk or 020 8944 5290. Appointments are limited so please book early.
Follow @mertongiving on social media or visit this website to stay updated on the latest Merton Giving Week news and information.
For more information contact Jenny O’Neill – jenny@mertonchamber.co.uk .