£25k raised for town's good causes

The Swindon Cares campaign easily beat last year’s total of £16,000 for the trio of Swindon Samaritans, the Broadgreen Breakfast Club and the Swindon MS Therapy Centre.

All three good causes were adopted over a two-year period with all the money raised from the appeal being split between them.

Organisers say much of the credit has to go to former Swindon Mayor Michael Barnes, who chose Swindon Cares as one of his charities during his stint in the robes, and collected over £10,000.

Events throughout the year have included scrabble and golf tournaments and a quiz night. Volunteers have also done their bit rattling collecting tins around the town.

Bill Fishlock, Swindon Cares committee vice chairman, said: “It’s been a particularly successful year and we have to say a big thank you to Michael Barnes for all the support he gave us and, of course, to all the people who helped us raise money.

“We choose our charities on a two-yearly basis because we really like to get to know them and know how we can help them best, and for that I think you need more than just one year. Now we are looking forward to next year and the three charities that we will support over the next two years.

“We try to look for something different each time and this time we are very keen to hear from organisations involved with mental health, carers, and financial exclusion.”

Bill said applications were now welcome and that a decision would be made in January.

The first event in next year’s Swindon Cares calendar is the scrabble tournament in March.

Swindon Cares is backed by the Swindon Advertiser, Arkell’s Brewery, Swindon Council, BBC Radio Swindon, Nationwide, Zurich, the Rotary Club of Swindon and Layton Blackman Insurance Brokers and has raised more than £85,000 for local charities over five years.

Anyone who would like to contact Swindon Cares can write to Jane O’Driscoll at PO Box 1288, Station Road, Swindon, Wiltshire SN1 1FL, or email to pam.webb@uk.zurich.com.