As part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, dozens of Ilkley & District Good Neighbours supporters took a deep breath and jumped into the White Wells plunge pool in aid of the charity earlier this month.
The event, one of many to raise funding to help it continue operating key projects, saw people young and old to take part, including Ilkley’s MP Robbie Moore who said:
“It’s not quite how I would normally spend a Saturday morning but it is in a very good cause. It was also quite refreshing.
“I’ve always been a supporter of Ilkley Good Neighbours and I really hope that they manage to continue helping our community with their various projects.”
The event will help to raise much-needed funding that will help the charity continue operating its key projects such as Shop Assist, the social group Friendship Moving On, and the one-to-one project Befriending. The charity also recently introduced Dementia Hub and Café, which provides possible sufferers and their carers with support.
Vice Chair Pennie Coulthard said:
“It was a great morning and a great atmosphere, the sun was shining and, although a bit chilly, the participants were all willing to don their swimsuits and take the sponsored plunge to raise money.
“Passing walkers heading up to White Wells were surprised and impressed when they saw lines of people, young and old, waiting to go into the Baths. The dippers included two staff from Bettys, who have adopted Good Neighbours as their charity of the year and are helping us fundraise.
“Many of the charity’s staff also took part, which was great. I would also like to thank our team – Manager Lucy, our Co-ordinators Hannah, Helen and Charlotte – and others who helped organise this event, which involved considerable work.”
Chairman of the charity Ed Duguid said:
“This was a fun day which we all enjoyed, but the reality is that our charity is currently facing an uphill struggle to continue serving the community, as it has for the last half century.
“As a result of failing to receive funding from Bradford Council for two of our key long-standing projects, we have had to double down on finding ways to raise other funds. The response of the local community to our latest event has been fantastic and we are grateful for all the support.”
The White Wells plunge campaign has already raised several thousand pounds with donations still being made. To make a donation contact: https://justgiving.com/page/white-wells-dip
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