Over the Christmas period Lis Silver, It Takes a City's interim CEO, volunteered as a car parking steward with the Rotary Club of Cambridge South. Each year the Rotary Club are given permission by the University of Cambridge to use a couple of their car parks to raise money for local charities.
Christmas shoppers give a minimum donation of £7 to park for as long as they like. Many were very generous, raising a record of over £34,000. It was a great opportunity for Lis to find out more about the community and charitable work of the Club, and to chat about how ITAC supports homeless neighbours in the city.
An enormous amount of time and hard work is needed to administer this project and to ensure the rota is fully staffed. Many thanks to all at the Rotary Club who were involved, especially David Ellis who co-ordinated the project!
It Takes a City are grateful to have received a grant of £3000 from the Club’s Charity Car Parking Fund, and Lis spoke briefly at their wonderful presentation dinner. The grant will be used to provide hand and bath towels (large, as requested by previous guests) for all at Crossways, the winter emergency accommodation project. It Takes a City will also purchase aprons for their volunteer chefs, and other housekeeping items.
Matt Nelson, Community Engagement Manager, was honoured to be the guest speaker at the Club’s Burns Night Supper. He delivered a short presentation about their work, particularly at Crossways, and answered many questions from members. It Takes a City give thanks for over a £1000 of generous personal donations received following the event.
The team at It Takes a City said: "It is great to be partnering with the four local Rotary Clubs, who raise an enormous amount each year for local charities and look forward to further exciting events together."
