Abbotshall HLC needs YOU!

Aim

To raise funds to help with the running costs of Abbotshall HLC until funding can be secured by the board.

We want to start this message with a massive thank you to all of you who continue to support Abbotshall HLC. You may have taken part in one of the numerous classes we host at the centre. Or maybe you popped in to the cafe for a coffee. It could be that you came along to our summer fair, or community campout. Hell, whatever it is that you've done, we just want to say thanks. It means so much.

One of the most incredible things that you've done to show your support is donating during last years crowd fundraiser. It raised over £5,000. An amazing amount of money that was put directly back into the centre. You guys rock and we are blown away by your generosity.

But, we need to ask you again. We need to ask this fantastic community of ours to dig deep and donate to help us with the running costs of the centre for the next few months. No matter what you can spare, we promise you, it will be more valuable than you can imagine. £1 to £1,000(!), it really doesn't matter how much you can spare. Chip in with what you can and rest assured that it'll make a huge difference. 

We, the board of trustees for the centre, will be submitting our response to Lewisham's tender in early 2020 and have made great strides in recent months to move the process along. The most fantastic news came only last week when we were notified that we'd achieved charity status, meaning we're now able to begin accessing funding set-aside for charitable bodies. However, this process is going to take time, which is why we're asking for your help once again. 

HOW WILL THE MONEY BE USED?

All money we raise through this crowd-source will go directly back into the running of the centre. From covering utility bills to helping with staff costs. There will be no wastage. It is important to say at this point that the new look cafe, which many of you have been visiting (thank you!), is self-sufficient and all costs and outgoings are being covered by the revenue that is being generated through its offering, with any profits going straight back to the centre. 

We know this is a time of year when money is tight for all and we appreciate that this is a big ask. But anything you can donate, be it large of small, will be of enormous value to the centre and in turn, to our community. It means so much to all of us and we desperately want to continue to keep the doors open for the good of everyone who uses the centre. 

The HLC is a vibrant community hub that has been at the heart of the Corbett estate for the last ten years and we want it to stay that way for the next ten, and beyond. But we need your help. We have big plans for what we can do to improve the centre and everything it offers, but in order to achieve these, we need to be able to stay open until we have (fingers crossed), won the tender and accessed funding. 

So dig down into the back of the sofa. Check those jeans you haven't worn since the last Christmas party you embarrassed yourself at. Empty that jar of loose change you've been collecting for the last 12 months. Or simply chuck in a few quid from your hard earned salary. Whatever it is, it'll make a difference. 

All we can say to you is thank you for anything you can spare. And please do spread this message far and wide. We know that it isn't just residents of the Corbett estate who use the centre, but also those from outside of Catford who have experienced the brilliance of everything it has to offer.

We live in an incredible community and it is a joy for all of us to be involved with Abbotshall. But it would be absolutely nothing without all of you. You're what makes this community and we are eternally grateful for any support you can offer. 

Thank you. We wouldn't be here without you all.

Thank you

HLC Board of Trustees

This project successfully funded on 10th January 2020