Councillors this week (Thursday 6 December) endorsed the establishment of the Mayor’s Charity Appeal Trust to ensure fundraising has wider organisational focus and input.
An application to launch the Trust has been lodged with the Charity Commission, and it is expected to be operational from early January 2019. While it has been long standing practise for the Mayor of Basildon to undertake fundraising activities for nominated charities, the scope of this has been a matter for individual mayors.
The Trust, which will have up to five trustees, will be independent from the council and enable increased funds to be raised through Gift Aid.
Cllr David Dadds JP, Mayor of Basildon, said: “I and all Mayors are passionate about working alongside the community to raise money and awareness for good causes which are close to many of our hearts. By establishing the Mayor’s Charity Appeal Trust we can focus on the charities and organisations benefiting from fundraising efforts instead of individual mayors.
“I am committed to ensuring the Trust becomes a visible and recognisable presence within the borough and makes a real difference.”
The Mayor of Basildon’s Charity Appeal Staff Committee has already been formed to develop a range of fundraising activities, including a sponsored football match and a five mile festive-themed run.
Cllr Dadds hosted a civic dinner in October 2018 and will also be running the London Marathon in April 2019 in aid of St Luke’s Hospice and Cancer Research UK, which the appeal is supporting this municipal year.
