Ripon Vision Support, which helps people with all kinds of visual impairment, has received a £7,000 boost that will enable it to extend its services.
The charity was selected as one of two beneficiaries of the appeal monies raised by former Mayor of Ripon Councillor Eamon Parkin.
The other recipient of a £7,000 award was the Ripon Christmas Lights Appeal, which Cllr Parkin championed during his three consecutive years in office.
He told the Stray Ferret:
“I am delighted to be able to share the £14,000 raised between the two causes and would like to thank the people of Ripon who supported me, with special mention for appeal treasurer Pearl Coates and secretary Joyce Maguire, who were with me all of the way.”

A meeting of Ripon Vision Support
Cllr Parkin, pointed out:
“My term of office was extended twice because of the covid pandemic, which also impacted on the amount of money raised for my appeal, because so many fundraising events had to be cancelled.
“In spite of this, through the limited amount of events that we were able to hold, the community spirit and generosity of local people shone through.”
While the money raised for the Christmas lights will go towards further improvements to the city’s 2022 festive display, Ripon Vision Support will use its share for further development of its activities.
Chair of the charity John Mellor, said:
“This is a tremendous boost for us and literally doubles the amount of money that we have in the bank.
“It will help us to extend our services and we are most grateful to Cllr Parkin for selecting us as one of his chosen charities during his years of office.”
Ripon Vision Support’s Tuesday morning meetings at the Allhallowgate Methodist Church Hall, are open to anybody in the city with any form of visual impairment.
They provide a platform for social gathering, advice and practical assistance and each meeting is attended speakers who give topical talks on a wide range of subjects.
Mr Mellor, said:
“We welcome new members and anybody wishing to join us can is asked to get in touch.”
Further details are available by clicking here.
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