More than £10,000 was raised for local and national charities at Cockermouth’s first Charities Weekend.
The event was held on July 22 and 23 and involved dozens of businesses all over the town. They each chose their own charity and their own way of raising money for it. Ideas ranged from cake sales and lucky dips to raffles and collecting tins. Some of the wackier activities included busking by the mayor, a doggy cat walk for fun photo opportunities, and a human fruit machine.
Andrew Marshall, chairman of Cockermouth and District Chamber of Trade, said: “I am absolutely amazed by the response. Thank you so much to every business for getting involved and supporting this, and thank you to every person who made a donation, however small.
“The reaction from businesses and the generosity of the public exceeded all our expectations. I was getting text messages on the Thursday night before it began on the Friday from people asking if they could still take part.
“At a time when the cost of living is rising dramatically, after more than two years of upheaval, we know that people have got a lot on their minds, so to see them come out and support charities in this way is fantastic.
“I hope this can become an annual event. It brought such a feelgood buzz to the town.”
