Fundraiser

Regular donations

I already have a number of Direct Debits in place for various charities (Red Cross because they do such important work, such as bringing families back together in war-torn areas; London Air Ambulance, who save lives where the bloody hideous traffic in London alongside money-saving A&E closures mean people would die; McMillan, because I've seen first-hand how they support people; St Francis Hospice because who knows what the future may hold) and have recently added RNIB, because I couldn'tresist the French accent of the chugger and they supported my dad when he went blind. Now I've retired, the total may be more than I can really afford but I'll see how I go.

Donate time

In July I did a residential school trip, August saw me voluntee at Valence House family events and in September I volunteered at Lambourne End open day. I've signed up for several more sessions at Valence House, both family events and education support.

Fundraising

Not a sponsored event but I raised over £1700 in my mum's memory for the British Red Cross Ukrainian appeal.

Donate to food banks

I do this regularly at Morrisons.

Benefit charities

Obviously regular donations to the shops are crucial. I've also set up my Amazon account to a fundraiser and encouraged my school to set up an account and share with parents. Donating time to allow fundraising activities is another way to help without having to find cash.

Charity shops

I reckon they are sick of the sight of me. As well as my own decluttering, I've done a huge amount of clearing at mum's. I've tried very hard to avoid landfill, though I think my family think I'm nuts.