Hard-working fundraisers celebrated the fruits of their labour by organising a special presentation evening and handing over cheques to charities including East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
Project Seven is an independent group of volunteers that supports worthy causes across Sudbury, Glemsford and Long Melford.
They attend community events and run barbecue and refreshment stalls, making a donation to the host organisation but also collecting money to be distributed to individuals, groups and charities. Last year’s events included Springfest Sudbury, Rickinghall Car Rally, Clare Party in the Park, Clare Craft Fair, a Long Melford Cricket Club event, Great Cornard’s firework display and Melford’s Christmas festival.
EACH was one of the grateful recipients at the presentation night, collecting a cheque for £1,200.
“We get a great deal of pleasure helping others in our community,” said Sandra Basham, who, on and off, has been Project Seven secretary since it launched in April 1982.
“We raise money throughout the year, and those that help out, along with committee members, then decide which causes to support.
“It can range from playgroups to Cub and Scout packs. Our aim is simply to help as many charities and organisations as possible.
“We’re delighted EACH is one of those recipients, and it came about through a friend of my daughter, Jenna, whose four-year-old son, Leo, receives care at The Treehouse.
“It’s obviously a very worthy and important cause and one that supports many families across Suffolk and East Anglia.
“We’re delighted to be in a position to help and pleased to have had another successful year. Our barbecues were well-supported, and we’re grateful to everyone for their help in making it happen.
“At the end of the year, we give the money away at our presentation evening – and then start all over again.”
In total, Project Seven handed out cheques to 23 organisations during a presentation evening at Nethergate Brewery, on 12th March. The total amount handed over was nearly £15,000.
Sandra’s husband, Robert, was a founder member of Project Seven, and two current stalwarts have been involved since those early days in 1982, when the group was officially launched at Long Melford Working Men’s Club. The name was derived because seven members were present and, so far, the group have raised nearly £800,000.
“We were a group of people who knew each other and used to meet for a drink in our local pub,” said Sandra.
“We were all like-minded, in that we enjoyed helping and supporting our community, and that’s where the idea first came from.
“It’s been a real pleasure to be involved, and we enjoy doing what we can, spreading the word in our local parish magazines and via Facebook.
“That said, none of us is getting any younger and we’re always keen to hear from anyone interested in joining us. We always welcome fresh ideas and energy.”
Anyone interested in getting involved can email Sandra via Sandrabasham24@gmail.com
Anne Austin, EACH Community Fundraiser for Suffolk and East Essex, said: “We’re so thankful to be one of the recipients of a cheque from Project Seven.
“It’s an incredible group of kind-hearted people, and they’ve done so much to help so many people.
“From our point of view, this money will make a real difference and help us continue our vital work supporting families and caring for children across East Anglia.”
