Four finalists named for Avisford Park Hotel’s £1,500 community fund
Four local organisations have been shortlisted for a £1,500 community fund launched by Avisford Park Hotel, with the public now being invited to vote for the winner.
The fund aims to recognise the work taking place in communities surrounding the hotel, which is located between Arundel and Chichester. The £1,500 award is set to help one organisation deliver a project that will make a tangible difference to the people it supports.
Following an independent judging process, four finalists have been selected to go through a public vote.
They are The Sussex Snowdrop Trust, Walberton Players Youth Theatre, Carers Support West Sussex and Able Kicks Ltd.
The Sussex Snowdrop Trust supports families caring for children with life-threatening or terminal illnesses within a 15-mile radius of Chichester. If successful, the fund would contribute towards the charity’s annual Christmas party at Butlin’s, giving families the chance to spend time together away from the pressures of medical treatment.
Walberton Players Youth Theatre, which provides children aged seven to 17 with opportunities to act, dance and sing, hopes to use the money to replace or improve its lighting system, which is more than 40 years old. The investment would help enhance future productions and improve the experience for performers.
Carers Support West Sussex works alongside unpaid carers, helping them access guidance, information and support. The fund would contribute towards ‘Positive Activity Days’ during the school holidays for young carers aged eight to 11, with activities potentially including creative arts workshops, rock climbing and theatre trips.
The fourth finalist, Able Kicks Ltd, provides inclusive football opportunities for children, young people and adults with special educational needs and disabilities. The organisation hopes to use the money to cover coaching, pitch hire and session costs – as well as specialist football and sensory equipment.
Emily Alderman, business development manager for Crest Hotels, said: “We are delighted to announce our four finalists and recognise the fantastic work they do to support people across our local communities.
“Each organisation has demonstrated how £1,500 could make a meaningful difference, whether by helping families create precious memories during incredibly difficult times, giving young people opportunities to express themselves through theatre, making sport more inclusive or supporting young carers who often carry significant responsibilities of their own.
“We know that charities and community organisations work incredibly hard to deliver their services, often relying on fundraising and the generosity of others. Our Community Fund is an opportunity to give one of these organisations a helping hand and support a project that will have a lasting impact. We look forward to seeing the community get behind the finalists through the public vote and by celebrating all four organisations at our special event.”
The winning organisation will be announced at a dinner hosted by Avisford Park Hotel on November 12. Representatives from all four finalist organisations will be invited to attend and celebrate their work.
Locals can cast their votes online at https://avisfordparkhotel.com/arundel-community-fund/. Voting closes at midnight on November 11.