Businesses and organisations across Cockermouth are raising thousands of pounds for dozens of charities at the town’s annual Charities Week – with the highlight coming this Saturday at a family fun day.
From prize draws and raffles, to sales of quirky goods or fun competitions, they’ve come up with a multitude of ways to make money for their favourite worthy causes. Charities Week is organised by Cockermouth & District Chamber of Trade and their committee has arranged a big Dining Delights raffle with a Michelin-starred lunch as its top prize, as well as hosting a children’s treasure hunt.
Cockermouth Charities Week runs until Saturday July 20 when the fun day is happening all around town. There will be entertainment on the street and more than 20 stalls offering everything from fun games to a tool sale. Treasure hunt forms will be available from the stalls too.
Tickets will also be on sale for the Dining Delights Raffle. They cost just £1 and all the proceeds will go to Cockermouth Linking Lives, an organisation which offers a befriending service to scores of people in and around the town. Tickets are on sale seven days a week at The Children’s Society Shop on Main Street, as well as at other businesses. They will also be on sale outside Cleelands furniture store on Saturday.
In 2023, the Charities Week saw £18,000 donated to 35 different causes by more than 70 companies. They also raised the profile of these organisations, sharing their expertise and skills.
Charities Week co-ordinator and Chamber of Trade member Andrew Marshall, whose family run Strolling4Shoes, said: “It’s great to see the event expanding. One of the town’s biggest employers, engineering firm James Walker, has moved its staff wellbeing week to coincide with event, while the schools are getting involved too, encouraging their students to take part.
“Two of Cockermouth’s sporting superstars, world-class cricketer Ben Stokes and Olympic swimmer Luke Greenbank, are supporting the event with some signed merchandise, and the Dining Delights Raffle shows the generosity of our fabulous eateries. Please come to Cockermouth on Saturday and show your support.”
