Appeal for Kisharon raises £1.6m in just 36 hours

An appeal for Kisharon, one of the community’s leading learning disabilities charity, has raised a stunning £1.6m in just 36 hours.

More than 5,500 donated to the fund, after the charity raised the alarm that coronavirus had caused ‘great concern’ about its finances.

The money raised will go towards the £2.1m required for the next year to support people with complex needs, and to help keep front-line services running.

The charity’s chief executive, Richard Franklin, said he was both a little tired from 36 hours of fundraising – but also exhilarated with the response.

“This past year I have been astounded with people’s ingenuity, flexibility, creativity and determination,” he said. 

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“Nowhere more has this now proven to be the case than by our supporters ability to fundraise. I am so in awe of just how universally warm and generous our community has been over the past two days.”

Stars of the two-day campaign included those impacted by learning disabilities, who showcased their skills in TikTok-style videos. Among them were Danny, a passionate cook, and Illana, who practises yoga.

Mother of Kisharon Noé School pupil Chanochi, Jane Pearl said that her son “has thrived during his time there being educated and cared for by the most incredible team.”

“We could not be any more proud of the way he is growing and developing in so many different ways,” she said.

“Every donation that was made will make a big difference to every person at Kisharon. The money raised will give people supported by Kisharon the ability to achieve their full potential and more.”

Figures at the charity now say their attention is turning to the upcoming Queen’s Speech, where they hope for a radical plan to deal with social care.

“Let’s hope they take the opportunity to be visionary in their thinking – and grasp the appetite for change so clearly demonstrated by our wonderful donors who I cannot thank enough,” said Mr Franklin.

Donations are still open. The fundraising link can be found here.