This weekend, a team of Plunkett staff and supporters will be venturing out in to the great outdoors in support of Plunkett Foundation’s Walk for Plunkett challenge.
The challenge; to collectively walk 1,000 miles over the 14th to 16th May. Anyone is invited to take part and walk as many miles as they can manage – every mile they walk will be helping to support the expert guidance and support Plunkett is able to provide to community groups in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Community groups from across the UK have already come forward to pledge their miles and begin their fundraising to help Plunkett achieve its £7,500 fundraising goal.
Paul Jennings, Chair of the Fox at Loxley Community Group explains why he decided to get involved in Walk for Plunkett.
“We didn’t know where to turn when our only pub in the village was under the threat of closing forever, but the Plunkett Foundation was a shining light and helped us have the confidence to raise the funds to buy our pub for the community, and to make it more than a pub.
I am doing this to help raise money and awareness for Plunkett so they can help other communities save their pub, shop or other community space.”
Joining Paul in pledging some Walk for Plunkett miles is the community of The Locks Inn Community Pub. Chair of the community group, based in Geldeston, Norfolk, is Graham Elliott who shared these thoughts on why they’ve chosen to support Plunkett’s fundraising efforts.
“A few months ago, here at The Locks Inn Community Pub, many of us had never heard of the Plunkett Foundation. But when we started talking about creating a community owned pub we were told we MUST speak to them urgently! That was excellent advice as they have helped us navigate to where we are now with professional advice, financial support and enthusiastic encouragement. Without Plunkett Foundation we would not be where we are now.”
So far over £4,800 has been raised. If you would like to show your support either by signing up to take part or by making a donation, please go to www.plunkett.co.uk/walk-for-plunkett.
As more and more communities are facing the loss of a local shop, pub or service, more communities will be looking to Plunkett to help them on their journey to community ownership.
With your help, together we can ensure that Plunkett’s caring hand can remain available to any community group that seeks Plunkett’s support.
