“£30,000 in 8 weeks? Barnes can do it”
This was the bold statement Steven Mindel made at the Barnes Community Association, of which he’s the chairman. The BCA are leading the campaign to raise £30,000 to complete the purchase of a replacement community bus. However, as he launched the appeal, Mr Mindel said: “The BCA can’t do it alone. We’re asking for help with this important local project, especially as we want to achieve our aim by the end of March!”
Many residents will have seen a FiSH bus. Accessible transport is one of the services which FiSH provide for elderly and vulnerable people who live in the Barnes, Mortlake and East Sheen districts of Richmond on Thames.
Last year, 10,271 passenger journeys were made, ferrying people between their home and the Barnes Green centre, on shopping trips and on group outings. There’s a team of nearly 300 volunteers, trained, supported and coordinated by one full and three-part time staff, in an organisation that’s more than 50 years old.
One of the buses is now due for replacement - at a cost of £60,000. In the past, FiSH have been able to rely on matched funding, but this time it will not be available. The bus has been ordered and FiSH are prepared to dig into their reserves to pay the balance.
After looking closely at this concern, the BCA judged that the Barnes community could - and should – assist, by raising the £30,000 required, leaving untouched the reserves that FiSH are required to hold. The aim of the BCA-FiSH Bus Appeal is to raise the funds before the new bus is delivered at the end of March.
“Then, Mr Mindel added, “instead of being isolated and lonely, the people who have come to rely on FiSH transport can continue to be part of the community.”
For ways to help, please see www.barnes-ca.org Donate online at www.justgiving.com/barnesca Text FBUS30 to 70070 and donate £1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10 For more information, please contact Steven Mindel, BCA chairman on 07802 174980 Barnes Community Association Rose House, 70 High Street, Barnes, SW13 9LD T: 020 8878 2359 http://www.barnes-ca.org/ info@barnes-ca.org Charity Registration No: 1156379
Article supplied by Alison Cowpe
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here