Simon Says charity helped by New Milton Cricket Club's generosity
NEW Milton Cricket Club have continued their charitable contributions after they made a £1,000 donation to the Simon Says charity.
The Simon Says charity was set up in 2002 and specialises in child bereavement support across Hampshire.
The charity provides free resources and support groups to help children and parents through the death of a close relative.
Simon Says founding member and advisor, Victoria Hussey, said: “As you might imagine fundraising is challenging for smaller charities in the current climate so to receive this donation really will help us make a difference to the children and young people we support in the New Forest and Hampshire area.
“Due to the pandemic, we are currently unable to operate our bereavement support groups but are putting the foundations in place to support bereaved families in new ways moving forward.”
“We hope to offer specialist support for those bereaved during the pandemic that haven’t been able to take part in normal rituals such as saying goodbyes and attending funerals.”
Hussey added: “The charity has also produced a set of lesson plans along with a bereavement policy to assist schools as they start to integrate pupils back into the school environment. Details for these can be found on our website along with ideas of activities that can be carried out at home.
“Our 02380 647550 helpline continues to be operational thanks to the time and energy of our team and wonderful volunteers.
“Thanks again to everyone at the club for the donation. It has given us all at Simon Says a huge boost. Also, many thanks to Sign Envy for their support.”
New Milton CC chairman Steve Taylor told the A&T: “Simon Says has been the club’s favoured charity for many years now and this felt like the right thing to do at this time.
“If we can give something back and help a few families in our community move forward and begin to rebuild their lives, then that’s a fantastic thing to be able to do.
“Simon Says has helped our club members in the past and they do an amazing job.”
During the past few weeks, New Milton CC have also raised money for NHS Charities and Oakhaven Hospice.
As previously reported in the A&T, New Milton CC coach Ryan Beck ran a back-garden marathon which raised more than £600 for the NHS.
New Milton CC’s ladies and girls co-ordinator Kevin Smith also organised an online quiz for 25 families and raised £160 for Oakhaven Hospice.
Taylor added: “As chairman, the effort made by our members young and old to support the community this way makes me very proud to be associated with this club.”
“We should all be very proud of what we have done here.”
For more information on Simon Says, visit simonsays.org.uk or call 02380 647550.
New Milton CC are open to anyone that wants to join as a member to use the nets and practise with junior and senior training. For more details, contact Ryan on 07944 506101.
