Richard gets on his bike
Richard cycled the length of the South Downs Way from June 26 - 27 2021 from Winchester to Eastbourne and raised 196% of target (£980 - £500) with 42 supporters and five friends from Richard's workplace, Hurstpierpoint School. When asked why Off The Fence he said "because I want to support an important local charity."
Local women’s choir put on benefit concert for Gateway Women’s Centre
A concert to celebrate International Women's Day, featuring Voices Unlimited choir, and a host of other local talent. A few comedy acts, some songs you know and love and the bar will be open. Join us for an evening of female positivity and raise some money for our Gateway centre at the same time
Kids from St Andrew’s school raise nearly £300 in 2 hours
Six children from St Andrew’s Primary School, together with a motley crew from St Andrew’s Church Choir, Brighton Chamber Choir, New Venture Theatre and some very supportive parents, went to Asda on Saturday 15th December to sing carols for Off The Fence.
They sang from 10 am ‘til noon in the entrance of Asda. The children were troopers, and stood for two hours with buckets, which got increasingly heavier as time wore on. They gave brilliant smiles and thank you stickers to everyone who donated, and sang beautifully too.
The carols ranged from ancient (Silent Night) to modern (Shakin’ Stevens’ Merry Christmas Everyone - with actions) and were sung with enthusiasm and joy. The singers provided a genuinely lovely greeting for harassed shoppers on a rainy winter morning.
Even without bucket shaking people were more than willing to contribute, and some passers by even joined in. They raised £279, which will go towards the homeless work by project Antifreeze. With the current weather forecast, the Antifreeze day centre is busier than ever, so this money and all the hard work it took to produce it will make a really big difference.
Climbing high for Off The Fence
Liz Forte is undertaking a momentous challenge for Off The Fence. In her words…
I’m climbing Kilimanjaro this October - it's a personal challenge for me but I thought it would be a great opportunity to raise money for a fantastic local charity whilst doing it. This is a trip of a lifetime for me-I’ve paid for the trip and all money I fundraise goes straight to Off The Fence, a Brighton based charity who work with every stage of homelessness, from rough sleeping to the early, precarious days in accommodation. I've been spending time with the team to understand what they do and how our money can help.
I was really struck by the Hygiene for All initiative - access to proper hygiene restores dignity and prevents avoidable yet life threatening illnesses. Without clean clothes, taking part in everyday life is difficult and finding employment is almost impossible.
There are 3 unique vans providing services across the city - a Laundrette Van, a Shower Van and a 3rd van called Emma that distributes hygiene items as well as chocolate, make-up and other treats to help restore the homeless’ dignity and self-worth.
“The idea of having a warm clean shower makes me feel so much less anxious. It’s the time of the week that I look forward to the most. Being clean has given me the confidence to participate in various activities.”
I'd love to be able to smash my target for this amazing and hardworking charity. I know everyone gets asks to donate to so many worthwhile causes - if you do feel you can contribute it would be brilliant and much appreciated.
Liz x
She’s raised £1800 so far! If you want to support Liz, you can do so here, or if you want to complete your own fundraising challenge, contact our fundraising team.
Mark Bailey – solo marathon man
It's done! At the last count Mark Bailey in his solo Mid Sussex Marathon for Off The Fence was on nearly £700 and he did the last 10 miles on Brighton seafront in his London Marathon costume. Still time to donate!
Donate here.
Kiki’s helping hand campaign for the homeless
Kiki is a student at St Christopher's School in Hove and as part of their #donateaday she is organising a #HelpingHand collection of gloves for the #homeless. Mum Sacha of Astaris IT is justifiably proud. Thank you both x
Stamping loneliness out
Sue Mummery has generously donated cards for us at Gateway to send to our women. But to be frank - we also need stamps! email office@offthefence.org.uk #GatewayWomensCentre #OffTheFence #Vulnerablewomen #Supportingwomen #stamplonelinessout
Making a big splash for charity
Roedean students Gracie Bernard and Liv Henderson had originally planned to take part in a cross-channel relay but had to change their plans when Covid-19 struck. Instead they decided as a pair to use their training and swim 21 miles of Sussex coastline to raise £1500 for 3 local charities. In fact they smashed their target by raising over £2000.They have now done this and Off The Fence and local foodbanks will each receive £500.Thank you Gracie and Liv! x
More information via this link.