Ian Burks, Chief Executive of YMCA East Surrey, was delighted to receive a donation of £24,778 from Cllr Joan Spiers who was Mayor of Reigate and Banstead Borough Council during 2015/2016.
Cllr Spiers chose to support the local charity during her Mayoral year and the money raised will go towards the new Inclusive Sports Facility which the YMCA are planning to build on their Redhill site.
“We have had lots of support in the past from local Mayors during their time in office, but this is the most that has ever been donated,” said Mr Burks. “Cllr Spiers raised £12,778 during her Mayoral year and then added to it with a personal donation of £12,000. It is a truly fantastic gesture.”
YMCA East Surrey President, Penelope Horsfall, added her thanks to Cllr Spiers for the donation, saying:
“The rapport you built with staff, volunteers and children throughout the year was wonderful. Thank you for your keenness and your commitment in coming along to so many activities. The money is going to be very well used.”
So far £1.5million has been raised towards the YMCA’s planned new Centre. A further £500,000 is still needed. Building work is due to start towards the end of this year and the doors are expected to open in 2017.
“We want to create a high quality, integrated, welcoming environment, to inspire the whole community – young and old, disabled and non-disabled – to be active and healthy,” said Mr Burks.
Fundraising events during Cllr Spiers’ term in office included a craft fair, a women’s lunch, a meal at the Clink Restaurant and a Black and White Ball, at which Simon Weston was Guest Speaker. The money raised was split between YMCA East Surrey and The Royal British Legion.
As she presented her donation at the YMCA’s Sports and Community Centre in Redhill, Cllr Spiers had this to say:
“I have seen at first-hand the work that YMCA East Surrey does and what they are achieving in the local community. I want to help them build on this. My family have been lucky but some people need more support. We must all spread the word and aim to put something back.”
