The Swaffham Lionesses chose to support homelessness charities as their cause to benefit from their annual summer event.
The Swaffham Lionesses are part of the Swaffham & District Lions club, an active group that serves their local community by getting involved in projects, campaigns and practical action.
President of the Swaffham Lionesses, Anne Dryden, said, “When I come into Norwich I see a lot of homeless people on the streets and I don’t like it. I wanted to do something to help so I did a bit of research and found St Martins and the Arc at the Salvation Army and decided to nominate them both as my chosen charities.”
The Lionesses organised a hugely successful 1950s event in May this year, which made the largest amount the club has ever raised at a single event. Several local businesses from the town donated raffle prizes and a total of £1,100 was divided between St Martins and the Salvation Army.
Anne and two of the lionesses visited the charities to present the cheques. They had the opportunity to have a look around St Martins’ hostel Bishopbridge House, which provides accommodation and support to 33 single homeless people. They also visited the Arc, which serves as a drop in centre for rough sleepers and homeless people in the city.
Dr Jan Sheldon, CEO of St Martins said, “We are so grateful for the support of the lionesses and of the community in Swaffham. The money raised will go towards our new accommodation project, which will enable us to support even more people in the city.”