Virtual fundraising pack launched to support Lord Mayor of Leeds’ Charity Appeal

Due to COVID-19, fundraising events and activities have not been able to go ahead as usual over the past year.

That’s why this year a virtual fundraising pack has been launched to enable people to safely fundraise for the Lord Mayor’s Charity Appeal from the comfort of their own homes.

The pack includes ten fun and exciting virtual fundraising ideas, ranging from putting on an online gig for friends and family to completing a fitness challenge every day for a month.

All proceeds from the fundraising activities that take place will be given to the Lord Mayor’s chosen charity, SARSVL (Support After Rape and Sexual Violence Leeds).

SARSVL is the dedicated Rape Crisis Centre for women and girls in Leeds whose lives have been impacted by child sexual abuse, rape and all forms of sexual violence.

During Councillor Eileen Taylor’s first term as Lord Mayor, over a thousand women and girls accessed one of SARSVL’s specialist services for emotional and practical support, either through a confidential helpline, independent advocacy service or counselling service.

The service has continued to offer vital support to women and girls across the city during the pandemic by operating virtually.

After successfully raising over £40,000 for the charity last year, the Lord Mayor hopes to exceed a final total of £50,000 by the end of her second year in the role.

The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Eileen Taylor, said:

 “In what has been an incredibly difficult and challenging year for charities, I hope this virtual fundraising pack will encourage people across the city to take part in some of the fun fundraising activities in aid of my chosen charity.

“By raising funds for the Lord Mayor’s Charity Appeal, you will enable SARSVL to continue the vital work they do day in, day out, helping survivors of sexual violence and abuse at the time they’re ready to seek support.

“Whether you decide to host a virtual quiz, take on a fitness challenge or throw a virtual pizza night for friends and family, we can’t thank you enough for your support!”

If you’d like to get involved, the virtual fundraising pack can be downloaded at bit.ly/LMCAFundraisingPack.

Once you’ve finished your fantastic fundraising, simply donate the money via the Lord Mayor’s Charity at www.justgiving.com/lmca.

If you are unable to host or participate in a virtual fundraising activity but would like to make a donation to the charity, payments can be sent via the JustGiving page.

Don’t forget to share your fundraising stories and activities on social media by tagging @LordMayorLeeds and @SARSVL on Twitter.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

To find out more about the Lord Mayor of Leeds and the Lord Mayor’s Charity Appeal, please visit: https://www.leeds.gov.uk/your-council/councillors-and-democracy/lord-mayor

To find out more about SARSVL (Support After Rape and Sexual Violence Leeds), please visit: http://supportafterrapeleeds.org.uk/

For more information on Councillor Eileen Taylor continuing as Lord Mayor for a second year, please visit: https://news.leeds.gov.uk/news/update-from-leeds-city-council-regarding-the-lord-mayor-and-this-years-mayor-making-ceremony

For media enquiries please contact:

Leeds City Council communications and marketing

Tel: 0113 378 6007

Email: communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk