Christmas Shoe Box Appeal

Dec 3, 2024  •  General

When Penrith YFC member, Charlotte Wilson, took up the role of Cumbria YFC County Chair in November 2023, she had some clear fund raising goals on the agenda for her year in office. Charlotte, a young farmer for 12 years, had always been an active participant in young farmer fundraising events, but since the pandemic and the economic down turn, she understood the importance of raising funds not only for other charities, but also for Cumbria YFC. As a charitable youth organisation, Cumbria YFC is reliant on fundraising and grants to ensure that it can keep delivering training, competitions, events and activities to our young farmers.

In her year in office, Charlotte has raised a staggering £9166.67 for Cumbria YFC and other charities, something she is extremely proud of. Charlotte said “At the start of my year I knew I wanted to have a heavy focus on charity work, it is something YFC members do well. In October I organised a charity 24 hour dance-a-thon in aid of both Cumbria YFC and Jigsaw Children's Hospice. With over 100 members and advisors coming to dance alongside me over the 24 hours I felt the support network that Cumbria YFC has. A big shout out must go to those brave members and advisors that came to do the night shift with me, it was a greatly needed boost. A big thanks must also go to Katy Edgar for allowing me to rent her new venue, The Gavel, Penrith Auction. It was the perfect venue and they couldn't have been more helpful. Also, a huge thank you to my five sponsors, AW Jenkinsons Farm, Tethera Vets, Frame and Swift Vets, Paragon Vets and Armstrong Watson. Due to their generosity it ensured that all profits made from the fundraiser could go straight to both charities as their sponsorship covered all running costs. It was incredible to see members of all ages coming to have a go, whether to pop in to say hello or do a couple hour stint. I am proud to announce that we raised £3041 to split equally between both charities!” 

Charlotte’s latest charitable endeavour has been to encourage the young farmers to support the Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Shoe Box Appeal. Young farmers from around the county have come together to put together boxes full to the brim of toys, games, hats and gloves and colouring books

At the final count, the young farmers and their families had donated 210 boxes to help brighten the lives of children around the world.  

Charlotte commented “I was absolutely blown away about the response from all clubs across the county to my plea for shoe boxes. The Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Shoe Box Appeal is one extremely close to my heart and I knew at the start of my year this was something I wanted to incorporate into my plans. My hope was for 100 shoe boxes from across the county, however, I was ecstatic to receive the final total of 210 shoeboxes as well as numerous donations towards the postage and packing of the boxes! Clubs worked so hard and it all paid off seeing the thanks from the Samaritan’s Purse volunteers. It wouldn't have been possible without the club committees and members' hard work organising so all my thanks goes to them.”