CHRISTCHURCH Rotary Club have launched a crowdfunding campaign to replace charitable funds in the absence of their annual bonfire and fireworks event.

The Christchurch Community Bonfire, held every year in early November by Christchurch Rotary Club at Stanpit Recreation Ground, has been cancelled this year, owing to the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic.

Residents are being asked to donate £20, the equivalent of a family ticket to the event, to help raise money for local causes.

The club announced last week that they would not be able to safely deliver the event whilst accommodating all the government guidelines regarding social distancing and large-scale open-air events.

Club President Chris McClaverty said: “After all the hard work that has gone into planning the 2020 Community Bonfire and Fireworks, it has been so sad to have to pull the plug.

“We thank our many sponsors and supporters, and hope that they will come back next year, when we will hope to put on an even better and bigger event.”

The Community Bonfire and Fireworks event was created to provide a spectacle for Christchurch residents, whilst raising money for charitable causes, largely youth organisations within the Christchurch community.

Examples of organisations supported in the last three years by the club’s Youth Activities Committee include Burton Youth Football Club, Honeypot Children’s Charity, Dream Flight and Young Carers.

The charitable causes received varying amounts totalling over £30,000 from Christchurch Rotary Club.

To compensate for the absence of funds flowing from the 2020 event, the Bonfire Committee has created a crowdfunding appeal to replace the lost revenue source.

Rtn. Paul McMillan, Chair of the Club’s Bonfire Committee, said: “Christchurch Rotary has not been able to hold this event since November 2018, due to adverse weather in 2019 and now Covid-19 this year.

“In more than 40 years of the event being held, numerous local youth causes have received support from the proceeds - totalling many tens of thousands of pounds.

“This year we need public support more than ever, so that we can carry on our Rotary tradition of supporting local youth groups and other charitable causes.

“Please help by donating, if possible, the equivalent of a £20 family ticket - or give whatever you can. Every contribution makes a difference.

“Many thanks for your ongoing support and generosity.”

To make a contribution, or to find out more, visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/christchurch-rotary-bonfire-appeal.