500 Suffolk Reasons is a small local fundraising group, run by five friends who want to make a difference.
Why?
Life is very hard for a lot of people these days, and there are many things that are of vital importance to people who are struggling but these are not met by any benefit. We know this because we are all in jobs that show us this on a daily basis.
Just recently in my role at The Rural Coffee Caravan, I am both privileged and humbled to be asked to award ‘hardship’ funding to families experiencing financial stress through these challenging times.
I have been so moved to hear some of the stories and it has made me realise how many genuine difficulties are being experienced, that a small amount of money would fix- money that will not be met by any benefit. For example, fuel or travel expenses to see family in hospital for long periods of time, curtains or carpets for families rehoused after escaping domestic violence, replacing broken appliances that family finances can’t stretch to pay for, car repairs or MOTs, or even insurance, which means the car is off the road and employment chances diminished as a result, school kit, tech for children who need it to be able to keep up with their peers. The reasons are many and varied. So many of people never imagined they would find themselves in these situations.
So…..
So…inspired by Joe Sims who set up the original 500 Reasons group in 2017, I asked four friends to join me and together we set one up in Suffolk for Suffolk residents. We just want to be able to help in a clear, straightforward, non-bureaucratic way.
How?
The premise is simple, 500 people each donate £1 a week and are then able to nominate a person or family in need of a helping hand. The reasons are as varied as we are as humans and every nomination is carefully considered. Together we cut through the red tape and get to deliver some simple kindness each week.
We currently have just under 350 members and although they generate £500 ( some paying for their partner as well as themselves) we are still aiming for many more participants in this Suffolk fund as soon as possible, each donating £1 per week by standing order.
We started in June 2021 and gave out our first donation in October 2021. Monies are granted to individuals or families. We have helped over 150 families or individuals so far, but having more members will enable us to reach more people. .
Nominations cannot have a religious or political bias. As Joe Sims says
‘……..”working collaboratively and supportively to do some good each week is much easier if we avoid anything potentially divisive’’.
It is really easy to take part and we hope you are able to join us.
If you would like to become a member of 500 Suffolk Reasons, its very simple. we will send you an invitation to join us, that includes the details for setting up a standing order for £1 a week.
£1. That is all. Less than a cup of coffee, but all those £1s add up to make a very helpful pot of kindness that truly makes a difference, and I can promise you, the fact that their fellow humans care enough to provide a little support, matters as much as the financial gift!
Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness – Lucius Annaeus Seneca
To get in touch please email 500suffolkreasons@gmail.com
500 Suffolk Reasons 