The QEOP Girlguides are fundraising to keep going. Despite being less than a year old, we have grown our number substantially, and are established units in West Ham Division. We started our units in September 2019, as there were no Girlguiding units in the area. We pride ourselves on being as accessible and inclusive as possible, with a commitment to accommodate all girls. Newham has one of the highest rates of child poverty in the country, and we're well aware of this, with 53% of our members declaring a low-income background. We have kept our fees as low as possible, charging just enough to cover our expenditure, in order to make sure that we are as affordable as possible. We have also started our own 'hardship fund' to subsidise those who cannot afford to financially contribute. This has now backfired, as like many families, and most charities, we are now facing large bills with next to no income.
Girlguiding, nationally, is facing a deficit of £4 million and, unfortunately, had to pass this cost onto individual units. In February, we will have to pay a fee of around £1500 or we will not be able to continue running. Please help us make this payment, and overcome the effects of COVID.