An introduction by Adrian Gaskin
The Leeds Group was formed nearly 40 years ago and has for many years been one of the top groups for fundraising in the country. It is estimated that we have raised over £500,000 for UNICEF.
The group is run by a volunteer committee, the members of which have a wide range of expertise, together with a large number of supporters who help us with fundraising by collecting at supermarkets, attending functions and coordinating our efforts with other organisations.
We have been able to provide Christmas entertainment at Ripley Castle for a number of years thanks to the generosity of our President Lady Ingilby. The format changes regularly and is good entertainment for a fun-filled evening. We also hold raffles, tombolas, quiz evenings, dinner and dances, and in fact any fundraising opportunity our committee can devise. For the last few years we have taken a stall at Otley Market from which we sell home baking, garden plants, books and videos. One of our committee also sells cards and gifts from home and regularly attends fairs or functions of other organisations in order to sell cards.
However it is not only about direct fundraising. We also undertake talks to local groups which help raise the profile of UNICEF and ensure that as many people as possible know about our work.
This year the group has had a few successful fundraising activities with a Ceilidh, a stall at Otley, which is an annual event, and an strawberry tea afternoon.
If you would like more information about any of the groups in England or would like to set up your own, please email groups@unicef.org.uk or phone 020 7375 6110 for further information. New members are always welcome.
