Stonehenge
Could you be a friend to Julia’s House? The children’s hospice charity is looking for volunteers to join its network of Friends’ Groups fundraising in Wiltshire.
There are established and fledgling groups in Devizes, Chippenham, Salisbury Plain and Pewsey & Marlborough, all of which welcome new members. Julia’s House is also keen to hear from people who would like to set up new groups outside those areas.
Julia’s house provides home-based respite to families with life-limited children in south Wiltshire and – once its new hospice opens in Devizes next spring – this will be extended countywide.
The charity relies on public donation and fundraising for 95 per cent of its income.
Friends’ Groups play a vital role as fundraisers and ambassadors. The first Wiltshire Friends’ Group – based in Devizes – has already raised more than £10,000. All the groups are busy planning events organising collection can distribution, attending talks and presentations, and manning stalls at events.
One of the newest groups in Wiltshire is the Salisbury Plain Friends which has Carol Musgrove, a founding member of Salisbury Plain Military Wives Choir, as its chair.
Julia’s House community fundraiser Jan Burns said: “She brings enormous experience in organising events, along with some fantastic contacts across the county. The group is formed of a mixture of civilian and military families who are working brilliantly together.
“We do still need more volunteers to grow and support our groups. We’re after kind-hearted locals to join us. If you have a good sense of humour and could spare a little bit of time to support our families – apply within!”
