December 2025 – $40,200

This donation supports the Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre, a cherished local charity that has been providing life-changing seaside holidays to disadvantaged children from Derbyshire since 1891 (!)

The centre offers free five-day residential breaks at its purpose-built facility in Skegness, a seaside town, for children who, due to financial difficulties, family circumstances (such as caring responsibilities), or other challenges, might never otherwise experience a holiday. These stays deliver more than just fun by the sea, they build confidence, create joyful memories, foster personal development, and offer a much-needed respite that can positively impact behavior and outlook.

After facing rising costs and pausing operations in 2025 to focus on sustainability and fundraising, the charity was close to closing down for good. This donation was made to ensure the centre’s long-term future, enabling thousands more children to enjoy these transformative experiences each year.

As someone from Derby, this cause is deeply personal. My grandma Joyce attended the centre as a child in the 1950s, and it’s a charity close to the hearts of many people in this community. Everyone knows someone who has benefited from its kindness.

The funds will contribute to operational costs, new initiatives (like low-cost school residential trips), and keeping the doors open for future generations of children in need.

November 2025 – $3700

As the beautiful Christmas lights go up in Derby city centre, a harsh reality sets in: winter is coming, and for our neighbors sleeping rough, it’s not a season of cheer, it’s a matter of life and death. Freezing temperatures, frost, and damp are a deadly combination.

No one deserves to die freezing and hungry on the streets of our beloved city.
Our community is aware of the urgent homeless situation, and a dedicated team has decided we can’t just stand by. We’ve launched a critical initiative to provide immediate, life-saving essentials.

🧤 What We Are Doing: – We are assembling and personally handing out comprehensive Winter Survival Kits tailored to each individual rough sleeper in Derby. These aren’t just hats and scarves, these are essentials for staying alive:

🔥 Emergency Warmth: – High-quality Sleeping Bags, Roll Mats, Wooley Hats, Gloves, and Hand Warmers.

🩹 Survival & Shelter: – Basic First Aid Kits, Emergency Shelters, and Blankets.

🧼 Dignity Packs: – Essential Hygiene Packs containing shower wipes, toothbrush/toothpaste sets.

☕️ A Personal Touch: – We will hand-deliver every pack with a much needed hot drink and a friendly face.
We’ve already purchased the first round of items to get started, but we need the entire city’s help to reach every single person in need.

The city of Derby is our home! – Let’s show the incredible strength and compassion of our community and ensure we have NO homeless casualties this year.