A Christmas hamper competition supported by businesses and residents in Pateley Bridge has given a timely £1,000 boost to the town’s Mayor’s Fund.
The fund awards small grants to local organisations and events that promote cultural, sporting, heritage and community activities in Pateley Bridge and the surrounding area.
Andrew and Pat Waite, who own and run The Sandwich Box takeaway in Back High Street, originally hoped to gather enough donated prizes for one hamper, but ended up with three.
The hampers contained more than 40 prizes, ranging from fine food, champagne and wines to a £40 voucher for winter fuel.
Pat told the Stray Ferret:
“The response to our call for donated goods and services was incredible and that enabled us to create a hamper full of food and drink items, a second including gifts and vouchers and a third containing pamper and wellbeing products.”
“Our heartfelt thanks go to everybody who helped us.”
The hamper contest has brought festive cheer to Pateley Bridge after covid caused the cancellation of the popular late night Christmas shopping event.
The winners were Mark Richards, Judy Grange and David Issitt.
Their names were drawn out of a hat by the Mayor of Pateley Bridge, Councillor Mike Holt, who said:
“I am finding it quite difficult to put into words how overwhelmed I am by the results of the raffle, so brilliantly organised by Pat and Andrew. They have shown a generosity of spirit to plan and put into effect the raffle on behalf of the Mayor’s Fund.
“The £1,000 raised shows great generosity from not only the people and businesses who donated to the hampers, but also the number of people who in these difficult times bought the raffle tickets.”
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In a normal year the fund would have benefited from fundraising events such as the mayor’s charity ball, but covid prevented it and many other civic and social activities taking place.
Since its inception the fund has raised almost £30,000 for local organisations and clubs, including Nidderdale Community Choir, Wilsill Luncheon Club, Nidd Art Trail, the Friends of Pateley Bridge Cemetery and the local scouts.
