RESIDENTS, local community groups, schools and businesses across the borough are being encouraged to put the fun into fundraising by organising events and activities to support the Mayor’s charity appeal.

The Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Councillor Anne Court, will be holding a charity week between October 17 and October 24 to raise funds and awareness of her three chosen charities for the year – Inspero, Basingstoke Multicultural Forum and the Ark Cancer Centre Charity.

And Cllr Court is encouraging people to hold a number of events, whether it be cake sales, sponsored swims or coffee mornings, to pull in the pounds for the charities.

The people who come up with the most innovative ideas, who raise the most money or display a great effort to raise cash for the charities will be invited to a special event before the end of the mayoral year to celebrate their achievements.

Cllr Anne Court said:”I am really excited about the Mayor’s charity week in October, it’s the first time we have done something like this and I am hoping as many people that live and work in the borough will get involved and help raise awareness and money for three great charity organisations.

“I am looking forward to hearing about and even visiting some of the events that people may organise – it’s a chance to let your creative juices flow for charity and come up with some innovative and fun ways to raise money to the benefit of local charities.”

To register your involvement in Mayor’s charity week and have your event included on the Mayor’s webpage, download a form from www.basingstoke.gov.uk/mayorscharityweek or ring the council on 01256 844844.