Purple Elephant, Frome town's family and children support charity, is enjoying planning for the spring, with thanks to the help of local groups and businesses. 

This much-loved organisation will be offering dozens of local families who need support the chance to take part in a selection of creative and artistic, sporting, cooking and nature-based 'Holiday Activities' during the next school break.

Held in a wide selection of Frome community venues in Frome, these events, delivered by skilled professional providers and supported onsite by the charity's own workers come, of course, at a financial cost.

As founder, Sue Willis explains, "We work on very modest, carefully-managed budgets and, thanks to many supporters, including local corporate sponsors, businesses and groups, we are able to provide a selection of educational, play events and support services all year round. Most recently, generous donations include those from The Cordero Lounge's pancake-filling fundraiser and The Forest of Selwood Masonic Lodge."

Also, preparing to offer donations very soon, are no fewer than 10 people running in the Bath Half Marathon on Sunday 17 March, to raise funds for Purple Elephant. 

All ten runners have been facing the cold, wet weather to prepare themselves for the big day, including an NHS worker, two teachers, a police officer, an IT expert and familiar Frome-face, Radek Evans - a man already previously awarded for his volunteering work in the town. 

To offer your support to ALL ten amazing people, donations can be given via the 'Donate to Support Us' button on the Homepage of the charity's website www.PurpleElephant.org.uk or via Purple Elephant's Face Book page

 The charity is also actively seeking annual corporate sponsors for its year-round support services: those currently ensuring the charity keep going include Tall Trees Kindergarten for the Small Steps early years-early intervention service and locally-based Dennis Maps, one of the world's leading map printers - both vital and valued and for which Purple Elephant is most grateful.

Can you help?

Nationally grant funding is harder to access than at any time in the past decade so sponsoring in all its forms is vital to enable Purple Elephant to support families, some of whom have referred to their services as a 'lifeline'.  

Families currently supported include those experiencing domestic abuse, those impacted by living in temporary accommodation lacking even basic facilities, as well as many parents/carers dealing with the complexities and associated challenges of children with additional needs and disabilities.

If you would like to sponsor a Bath Half runner, are part of a group who would like to fundraise and donate to Purple Elephant or if you work for a company looking to become a highly-valued business sponsor, the charity would love you to get in touch via their social media or their website www.PurpleElephant.org.uk

A reminder you can donate just go HERE

https://bathhalf2024.enthuse.com/purpleelephant/profile