Well what a year we in YWAF have had! Helping not only the homeless at Grace Harris House and the YMCA, but also, young people around Mendip.
Doesn't always have to be boring - but how do we get the wider community involved? We would be grateful for ideas - we tried leaflet drops, the local press, the weekly news-sheet in Church, but despite all these measures we have gained little interest from those not directly involved. Despite all that, in July we held an Auction of Promises, which even if small (in numbers) managed to generate £736.50 and we all had a great time. YWAF would like to offer our heartfelt thanks to all those individuals who saw it in their hearts to support us - both church members and the King's Arms pub in Legg Square who allowed us to use their premises free of change. Collett Park day saw us there again destroying children's teeth but raising £125.00. Christmas Cards - Kathleen and John Downer very kindly made cards for us to sell. They were so good the church used them as well and they raised £48.50. Many many thanks to you both
The highlight of the year has to be the fact that we as a committee have been bowled over, humbled and amazed by the residents of Grace Harris House and Sam in particular. They told us they wanted to organise a Christmas Fayre to raise money for YWAF. They worked incredibly hard and achieved a very welcome £617.72. Were we feeling downhearted? Well not any more it showed us how important and needed are our efforts.
We have:
Added and enabled residents at Grace Harris House in so many ways but the one that we are told has the biggest impact are the Argos vouchers we give to all new residents - for many this is the first time they have been given anything that is truly theirs. They have money to spend on their rooms and when they leave they take their purchases with them - bedding and saucepans can mean so much.
- Held a garden workshop a weekend cookery workshop at Grace Harris House
- Provided collage transport for a resident at Grace Harris House
- Supported young people from Spencer House (YMCA) to attend a meeting in London to lobby MP's about single room rates
- Enabled residents from YMCA schemes to go to @ Bristol
- Given £1,000 away to a number of local young people to help them achieve their aims.
- Contributed towards the cost of a Youth Development worker
- An African event at the YMCA
- We have recently started to support young people with eating disorders (SWEDA)
These include:
- A disco (at a secondary school near you - details to follow)
- A custard bath - get your own back on the teenagers!
- A Christmas Craft and Produce Fayre at the Shrubbery
YWAF is purely funded by donations, contributions and the efforts of the fundraising team lead by Jackie Garbett. All of the committee give their time and skills for free, so all of the money given goes towards those young people who need it.
But we need your help so here is your opportunity to support us: