East Dean Market raises hundred of pounds for charity

East Dean Village Market, which is an outdoor event currently open on Wednesdays at 10am-12.30pm for essentials and food, sold raffle tickets last month to support three chosen charities.

Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare is an animal rescue service in Ringmer.

Music for the Memory, based in Hastings, uses singing to bring people together with mild to moderate dementia. The charity says singing stimulates brain activity so enables participants to feel positive and make friends.

Eastbourne Foodbank, supported by The Trussell Trust, provides people with emergency food and support, working to combat poverty and hunger.

The raffle prizes were nine hampers created by the stall holders including fresh food and drink. £855 was raised and donated to the three charities.

Jane Midwinter, from Music for the Memory, said, “On behalf of Music for the Memory, the trustees thank East Dean Village Market and all those who bought raffle tickets for their generous donation of £281.

“We are using these funds to support the postage and packaging of seasonal goodie-bags being sent out to all our members which would have usually been delivered by hand.”

Freya Brooks, from Eastbourne Foodbank, said, “We’re extremely grateful to our supporters at East Dean Market for the generous donation.

“The money will go towards our continued efforts to meet the needs of the 16,023 residents of Eastbourne currently accessing our service.”

A spokesperson for Raystede said, “This past year has been exceptionally difficult for us financially but we have continued to take in animals that need our help.

“We are extremely grateful to East Dean Market for raising such a considerable amount of money for us. The money will cover all the costs of rehoming an animal – this covers their vaccinations, neutering, food and all the care we give them until they go to their new home.

“Support like this means we can continue helping animals for the weeks and months to come. Fundraisers like this are vital for us to get through the current crisis. Thank you East Dean Market.”

Miranda Bearns Lowles, one of the market organisers, said, “I am so elated, excited and proud of the amount of funds we raised for our charities. I asked the 40 plus stall holders to nominate a charity close to their hearts.

“We are fortunate to be able to support these very worthy charities and I’m incredibly proud of each of my stall holders for their donations to create hampers for prizes and I’m so proud of our visitors, customers and friends who have supported the market and bought tickets

“Thank you to everyone who bought a ticket, donated prizes and who attended our markets. Congratulations to all the winners.”