An online auction with lots including private flights, stately home tours and once-in-a-lifetime experiences has raised more than £8,600 for charities across south Cumbria.
The event ran online throughout November, and organisers NSPCC fundraisers and St Mary’s Hospice in Ulverston, said the amount raised had far exceeded their expectations.
Among more than 70 lots were weekend breaks, hampers, exercise sessions, fishing trips, croquet lessons, decorating and drystone walling days, along with a private tour of Hoad Monument in Ulverston and a day out in Wales by private plane.
NSPCC’s Furness Fundraisers joined with staff from St Mary’s and Kirkby Lonsdale committee to organise the event, and praised the generosity of those donating lots – and bidders.
Loretta Blackburn, Furness fundraiser, said the event had been a huge undertaking, given the COVID-19 restrictions.
She said: “This was an amazing amount to raise, especially in such difficult times, and we are so grateful to everyone who supported the auction.
“We had some fabulous lots and the bidding was very brisk. It was exciting to see the amount raised rising each day.
“This money will provide vital support for some of the most vulnerable people in our community and we are truly grateful to everyone who helped us raise this fantastic amount.”
Sandra Jones, NSPCC community fundraising manager, said: “We’re hugely grateful to Loretta and all the fundraisers and organisers who helped make sure this wonderful event could take place.
“Every £4 raised and donated means one of our Childline counsellors across the country can answer a call, email or message and help a young person through their most troubled time, so the donation from this auction will really make a huge difference this Christmas.”
