£12,000 Rotary donation shared by two local, rural charities.
The Farming Community Network in the South West and Neroche Woodlanders have each been presented with cheques for six thousand pounds by Taunton Vale Rotary. The money was raised at last autumn’s Moonraker Challenge which saw 270 walkers, aged from just 7 to over 70, navigate either 8 or 15 mile routes from the outskirts of Taunton to the Blackdown Hills.
The Moonraker night-time orienteering walk has raised approaching a third of a million pounds since the start of the millennium, with the majority going to local charities in Taunton and the South West.
The Farming Community Network supports farmers and families within the farming community. Receiving the donation, South West Regional Support Officer - Charmain Dascombe said: “Agriculture is a difficult industry to work in, particularly right now. It is a lonely, stressful job. This money will enable us to support many new people from farming families who need help with the mental hardships they are going through.”
Charmain Dascombe receiving the cheque from Taunton Vale President, Kathryn Robinson-Burge
Neroche Woodlanders is an award-winning social enterprise based on the edge of the Blackdown Hills. Using Forest School principles, they encourage children, young people, adults, families and organisations to learn about the nature around them, to find their own place in the world and to build connections with others and wild spaces.
Receiving the donation on behalf of Neroche Woodlanders, Sarah Holdway said: “I would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Taunton Vale Rotary Club for their generous charitable donation of £6,000, raised through their ‘Moonraker’ event.
“This vital contribution will enable Neroche Woodlanders to support more local families. For many of those we help, transport issues and a difficult financial situation are a barrier to accessing the outdoors. This sum will help them benefit from our nurturing woodland environment and the mental health and physical health wellbeing opportunities it provides.” Taunton Vale Rotary president, Kathryn Robinson-Burge, says: “We want to thank all those who support our fundraising. Community involvement is essential to the success of our events and I really encourage individuals, businesses and organisations to get involved.”
Sarah Holdway of Neroche Woodlanders
The presentations were made during a fundraising quiz which in turn will provide for future donations to good causes. Taunton Vale’s next major fundraising event is a Charity Golf Day on Thursday, 2nd July at Oake Manor Golf Club. For details and entries visit https://tauntonvalerotary.org.uk/golf-day