An online crowdfunding campaign for The Friendship Circle surpassed its target raising an astonishing £375,000 in just 36 hours.
The Friendship Circle, which enriches the lives of children and adults with physical and learning disabilities by providing a range of integrated social and recreational programmes, received more than 3,200 donations during its recent 36- hour online appeal, raising £375,000 from donors as far afield as the US and Israel. Mimi Lyons, co-founder and operations director of The Friendship Circle was overwhelmed by the response: “We are truly humbled by the amount of support we have received from the entire community and are hugely grateful to each and every donor who has helped us raise such an incredible amount of money.”
The funds raised will ensure the continued provision and development of essential services for the members the future of the charity, which suffered a dramatic loss of income due to the inability to hold any fundraising events during COVID.
Michael Levy was actively involved in the campaign, with the Prestwich charity proving a lifeline for his daughter Hannah: “The whole team knew exactly what their members needed, using meaningful ways to communicate and provide relevant activities. Joyous celebrations over Shabbat and festivals together at home, online parties, Havdalah and virtual events, were all supported by amazing activity packs prepared with love and delivered by committed volunteers.”