Kent communities benefit from millions raised in 2009
KM Group provided support to the community to the value of £3.2m
during 2009.
Figures released by the media group’s in-house charity team, based
at Wraik Hill, Whitstable show just how far a myriad of
fund-raising activities has gone to making a difference to some of
Kent’s most deserving causes.
From adrenalin-filled abseil and zip wire events to the series of
brain-teasing KM Big Quiz nights, through to sponsorship of the
Kent Teacher of the Year Awards, money raised has supported causes
that really matter to the people of Kent.
Simon Dolby, manager of the KM Charity Team, says “It’s not just
cash, directly made from events, that has helped our
charities. They have told us that by linking up with the KM
Group they have enjoyed growth from the publicity generated by
extensive media coverage, which has encouraged donations.”
Kent’s favourite charities, such as the Pilgrims Hospice, Marie
Curie Cancer Care, the Heart of Kent Hospice and the children’s
road safety service at Kent Walking Bus, have all benefited from
the massive fund-raising effort.
Some of the highlights of the fund-raising in 2009:
- The Canterbury KM Big Quiz, which brought in more than £11,000
for charity, money shared between the city’s Kent Kids Miles of
Smiles charity, the League of Friends of Kent and Canterbury
Hospital and Kent Walking Bus.
- Maidstone’s Fremlin Walk abseil which also raised £4,700, with
the cash going to the Guide Dogs for the Blind and Heart of Kent
Hospice.
Medway readers taking part in dragon boat race which attracted 14
teams and raised £30,000 for charity.
- Thanet readers hurtled down cliffs in Ramsgate’s Screaming
Alley abseil to put another £3,300 for causes including prostate
cancer.
- Zip Wire daredevils at Folkestone racecourse whizzed down from
the main stand and onto the course itself to bring in a winning
total of more than £7,700 for charity, with Pilgrims Hospices
receiving a big dividend.
In the second year of the “Every One Counts” campaign, readers
of Dartford and Gravesend Messenger Series were asked to donate
just £1 to help the Ellenor Lions. The campaign helped the hospice
raise £100,000 last year and meet its £200,000 fundraising
target.
Dolby adds “In 2008 we were able to help get communities £2.6
million of support and we are very excited to have exceeded that.
Working together with communities KM Group really does make a
difference.”
To find out how you can support the KM Charity Team visit
www.kmcharityteam.co.uk
(April 16, 2010)