A Reading-based friendship group, Reading Oddfellows, has donated £4,750 to the Willow Foundation, a charity that supports seriously ill young adults and their loved ones by creating cherished memories. The funds were raised over the past 12 months through various activities, including raffles, personal contributions, a charity bowls event, and a fundraising evening featuring the group's own singing group.
Each year, the group's Chair selects a charity to benefit from their fundraising efforts. Last year's Chair, Gary Phillips, chose the Willow Foundation. Phillips explained his personal connection: "With my family's long-standing support and love of Arsenal Football Club, we have heard many times of the brilliant work of Willow Foundation, as it was founded by the club's former goalkeeper, Bob Wilson, following the very sad loss of his beautiful daughter, Anna. Anna lived with cancer for five years, and the family created many memorable events with her. Since her passing, they have sought to create similar experiences and positive adventures for young adults facing life-threatening issues."
Phillips expressed his delight at the group's efforts: "I am delighted with the efforts of my friends at Reading Oddfellows, along with many others who have so generously donated to such a worthwhile charity. This will, I am sure, bring some sunshine into many lives."
For over 25 years, the Willow Foundation has been making wishes come true for seriously ill young adults and their families by organizing bespoke special days tailored to individual needs. Harry Folgate, senior community fundraising officer at the Willow Foundation, said: "On behalf of all the team at Willow, we would like to extend a huge thank you to Reading Oddfellows for this absolutely incredible donation to our charity. A special thanks goes to outgoing Chair Gary, who very kindly chose us as his charity of the year. The funds raised will be used to provide special experiences and create lifelong memories for seriously ill 16 to 40-year-olds across the UK who are going through the toughest of times. Thank you so much for this really kind donation and for all your fantastic fundraising efforts."
In addition to charitable giving, Reading Oddfellows hosts a range of affordable and accessible events in Reading, Maidenhead, Thatcham, Henley, Woodley, Pangbourne, and Tilehurst, which are open to all. The group has over 1,000 local members, most of whom are older adults. Upcoming events include a quiz at The Elephant Hotel in Pangbourne on Sunday, June 3 at 7:30 PM; Lin's Little Less Lonely Disco on Wednesday, June 25 at 2 PM at Oddfellows Hall; and a performance by Oddfellows Brass in Woodley on Sunday, June 27 at 2 PM.
The friendly society also organizes around 60 online events every month, which are free and open to anyone. These include a monthly member-hosted online open day where people can learn more about the organization. Oddfellows members can also access various benefits, including care and welfare support, a travel club, and opportunities to volunteer. For more information about Reading Oddfellows and its activities, call the District Secretary at 0118 957 3354, email readingdistrict@oddfellows.co.uk, or visit www.oddfellows.co.uk.
