Family foundation raises £12,000 for local causes
A charitable foundation in Bradford, established by a local family in memory of their late father, surpassed their latest landmark of donations this past week as they hit the £120,000 mark.
The Govindbhai Foundation was set-up nine years ago by the Mistry family and every year hosts fundraising events for selected causes, locally and internationally.
This year, Bradford-based Fulfil the Wish and Chitrakoot Project UK, were selected with each charity receiving a cheque worth £6,000 last week.
Set up by a team of nine brothers and sisters, alongside their mum, spouses, children and grandchildren, the Govindbhai Foundation is a unique family-run operation.
Hosting events throughout the year to raise money, fundraisers held a number of initiatives over the past 12 months including an Abba tribute night, a charity auction, a champagne reception and a casino night.
Eventually raising £12,000, the money was shared equally between the two selected causes.
Foundation spokesman, Harkishan Mistry said he was delighted to see so many people come out to support the foundation.
“Our ninth annual dinner dance was a fantastic evening with 250 people coming along,” he said.
“This year we took a new approach to fundraising. In addition to our main event, six members of the family took on the challenge of the Yorkshire Three Peaks climb.
“Two of the younger members, 10-year-old Elina and seven-year-old Hannah, completed two peaks and raised over £700.
“It’s so satisfying to see the whole family getting involved and best of all, we’ve spent nine years successfully fundraising – while having fun.
“I’m delighted that once again we managed to raise so much money. It’ll make a huge difference to children’s lives.”
Fulfil the Wish is a registered charity, which was founded in 2000 by Mary Appleton, a registered nurse, to provide activity and sightseeing holidays for children and young people with disabilities and complex health needs.
Speaking about what the donation means to the families involved, Ms Appleton said: “On behalf of the charity and the children who will benefit I would like to say a massive thank you to the GB Foundation for their donation of £6000.
“The money will go directly towards our 2016 Disneyland holiday, the total cost of which is around £21,000 each year, as the cost for each disabled child is around £400.
“This holiday enables children who have lifelong disabilities the opportunity to experience the dream of Disneyland; children who are not eligible for support from any of the major wish charities as their disability is lifelong as opposed to life limiting, but living with their disability each and every day.”
Likewise, Naresh Sharma, Chairman of the Chitrakoot Project UK, which helps children in rural Indian communities, thanked the group for their support.
“We are extremely thankful to GB Foundation for this donation which will make a huge difference to the lives of the children we will now be able to treat,” she added.
