We are delighted to announce that bucket collections held at the end of performances of Cinderella in December 2023 raised the grand total of £3036.86.
The pantomime, which was produced by The Elgiva in association with New Pantomime Productions, was raising money for several very worthy causes, and sought donations through bucket collections at the ends of performances of its very popular pantomime, Cinderella.
At a time when people are watching the pennies, The Elgiva is thrilled by the amount raised and incredibly grateful to its staff and volunteers who were on bucket duty, as well as the audiences who so kindly put their hands in their pockets.
The money, will be split between The Elgiva’s nominated charity, Love Lowndes, which is raising £150k+ to build a new playground in Chesham’s Lowndes Park, and good causes nominated by Chesham’s Mayor.
The bucket collection will be divided, with half going to Love Lowndes and the remaining half being divided equally between the Mayoral charities, which are Love Lowndes (proving a popular cause!), the Royal British Legion and Caracol.
This means that Love Lowndes will receive £2024.58, and the Royal British Legion and Caracol will each receive £506.14.
David Cooper, Theatre Manager, The Elgiva, said: “It is so lovely that even during a cost of living crisis, our wonderful audiences are thinking about those in need.
“Their generosity is humbling, and it is a real testament to the community in which we live and which The Elgiva is incredibly proud to be part of. It all shows that Christmas can be magic in more ways than one.”
Lowndes Park is Chesham’s main green space and the green heart of Chesham. Love Lowndes wants to make it fit for the next 100 years of enjoyment.
According to the charity, the existing play facilities are worn out, unwelcoming and inaccessible, as well as failing to be inclusive.
Love Lowndes is raising £150,000, and The Elgiva is delighted to play our part.
Claire Wyatt of Love Lowndes told The Elgiva: “We’re absolutely bowled over by the generosity of panto audiences in raising such a huge sum for Love Lowndes. This donation will make a massive difference and go directly towards building a new playground for Chesham’s children.
“Huge thanks to all of you for your support and of course to The Elgiva for selecting us to be recipients and for putting on such an excellent panto! “
The other Mayoral Charities for 23/24 are the Royal British Legion and Caracol.
The Royal British Legion has been supporting members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans and their families since 1921.
As well as its famous Poppy Appeal, the RBL supports serving and ex-serving personnel all year round, every day of the week.
Support starts after one day of service and continues through life, long after service is over.
Caracol is a community-based youth development and arts organisation operating in Belize and Guatemala, Central America. Its permanent programmes provide children and young people with safe spaces to explore their identity, culture, creativity and develop their self-esteem.
Caracol was founded by Claudia Orantes and Chesham’s Jon Ottley in 2003. Since then, project activities have taken place throughout Belize and in various communities in Guatemala. In 2005, Caracol started monthly arts and photography workshops in Arenal Village and in response to the positive reaction of the young participants the village became Caracol’s permanent home. Its youth development and community arts centre opens daily and nearly one hundred children regularly access educational services provided by Caracol youth leaders.
