Foundation News
South Yorkshire gets that loving feeling as people come together to raise money for local causes
17th February 2010
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GENEROUS Yorkshire folk from all walks of life came together on the first ever 'I Love South Yorkshire' Day to show their love for the area, raising vital funding for local worthy causes in the process.
The campaign, launched by the South Yorkshire Community Foundation, which saw separate geographical celebrations of all four boroughs in the area, aims to encourage local people to get involved in fundraising for local community groups and projects.
Businesses, organisations, communities and individuals were quick to back the ground-breaking initiative, through which SYCF can match all donations pound for pound using government funding.
Celebrations took place throughout the county on February 12, with all four areas showing their love for their area.
HSBC lent its weight to the campaign throughout all four boroughs, with staff in Sheffield wearing red and making heart shaped cakes to show their love for the area.
Sue Pearce, area premier manager of HSBC, said: "We are extremely committed to supporting local communities in Sheffield.
"Our branch teams throughout the area held many different fundraising events on the day, including dress down days, bake sales and coffee mornings."
Many organisations held dress down days, with participants making a £2 donation that was gift aided and doubled to create more than a fiver for the area.
Sue said: "Individuals particularly liked the idea of match funding as this has allowed us to double the impact our efforts can have for local community groups and worthy causes."
In Rotherham, Denis MacShane, MP for Rotherham, joined committed Rotherham councillor Jangahir Akhtar and members of the Blackburn TARA in showing love for the area.
Denis MacShane said: "I Love Rotherham is a great initiative, and like our own local version of Comic Relief.
"But with this it's double your money for Rotherham, as every £10 given creates £20 to help good causes so it really is a wonderful scheme.
"Everyone has their favourite charities that they give to, but this scheme allows money to get to those who don't generally get as much as some others, and have a real need for it."
Celebrations were just as widespread in Barnsley, with organisations doing their bit for the cause.
Voluntary Action Barnsley held a dress down day, while also putting on a pie and pea lunch and quiz during its drop in session.
Penny Stanley, chief executive of VAB, said: "The money raised from the 'I love Barnsley' campaign will be a welcome addition into the voluntary and community sector.
"This campaign is a fantastic way to raise money which will have a direct impact locally. Together we can help ensure Barnsley community and voluntary groups do not miss out on the funding."
In Doncaster, the Chamber of Commerce held an 'I Love Doncaster' business networking lunch, while staff from the Council's Blue Building held a dress down day.
Jonathan Wood, cabinet member for business and new enterprise, said: "The people who live and work in Doncaster are very proud to be associated with the town and are very loyal when it comes to supporting Doncaster as a town and place to live.
"The teams based at the Blue Building were keen to support the I Love Doncaster campaign.
"As a Council we realise the importance of supporting charities that raise money to tackle local issues as well as those that support causes further afield."
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