Cockermouth Charities Week has begun, collecting thousands of pounds for a host of worthy causes.
Due to the success of last year’s Charities Weekend, Cockermouth and District Chamber of Trade decided to extend this year’s event into a full week of fundraising.
More than 70 businesses in Cockermouth are taking part in the event which runs until Saturday, July 22.
Engineering giant James Walker has made a major donation to get the week underway, as well as helping to promote the event with banners on its Gote Road site.
Elsewhere in town, holiday accommodation providers are giving 10 per cent of their bookings during the week, the fire service teams are washing cars, a human fruit machine has been organised by the Rotary Club, and there will also be a doggy photo booth, a bra bank, and busking on the street by Councillor Andy Semple.
Cockermouth Mountain Rescue, Blood Bikes Cumbria and Cockermouth WI will have stalls next to Sainsbury’s, with raffles, collections and prize draws in nearly all the shops and hospitality venues across the town.
At Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, there’s a raffle to win a hamper and at Strolling 4 shoes there is a voucher to win a £100-worth of shoes.
Andrew Marshall, who is leading this year’s event for the chamber, said: “The whole ethos of this event is that Cockermouth is giving something back to lots of charities and it’s turned into something which brings the whole town together.
“Last year we raised more than £14,000 for 35 charities – we want to make a difference to these organisations which support others, save lives or make life a little easier for those in need. I hope people will come and join the fun, hopefully win something lovely, and spare a few pence – or pounds – for some amazing charities.”
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