Charity donations 'have tumbled by 11%'

According to UK Giving 2009, individual donations to charities have fallen by a staggering 11%, with the most popular charities to give to being medical and childrens charities.


The Chestnut Appeal is a local charity, which supports men with prostate cancer & their families from across Devon & Cornwall. Spreading awareness is at the heart of everything they do. Charity Manager Lesley-Ann Simpson says, “charities have to get more and more creative when fundraising, times are tough, and I expect to see a further decline in donations in the months ahead. I think people are looking for challenges and doing something out of the ordinary when raising money, so when organising a fundraising event think about being as creative as you can.

For example, Mervyn, who was diagnosed and successfully treated for prostate cancer seven years ago had asked guests to donate to the charity in lieu of presents, raised a staggering £10,240.00 for the charity. He said, ‘When I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, I feared that my time was limited. Now I feel everyday is a bonus and I’d like to help men who are in the same position as I was‘. said Mervyn Reed. The event, which took Mervyn many months to plan, brought together people from across the farming community and not only was it a wonderful evening of celebration, we are now able to provide another prostate cancer nurse specialist. It’s a massive achievement in a time of recession.

The Chestnut Appeal for Prostate Cancer will be celebrating ten years in 2010, ten years in which it has helped change the way prostate cancer is treated across Devon & Cornwall. They’ll be a number of key events across the year including; the chestnut cup football tournament, a sponsored cycle ride, the chestnut walk and an autumn ball.

As well as this, only 40% of donations are currently gift-aided, so when donating to charity, if you’re a UK tax payer, always remember to sign the gift aid slip, it gives us an extra 28% from the government, and can make all the difference.

All money raised goes to fund medical equipment, nurses and treatment that is not available in our region.

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