We are delighted to announce that bucket collections held at the end of performances of Sleeping Beauty in December raised the grand total of £3185.60.
The pantomime, which was produced by The Elgiva in association with New Pantomime Productions, was raising money for two charities – The Big Community Takeaway, which tackles food poverty in Chesham, Amersham and surrounding villages, and Parkinson’s UK, which funds research into the debilitating neurological diseases and supports those suffering from it.
The money, which raised through bucket collections at the end of each performance, will be split equally, with £1592.80 going to each charity. The Elgiva is thrilled by the amount raised and grateful to its staff and volunteers who were on bucket duty.
David Cooper, Theatre Manager, The Elgiva, said: “Once again I am blown away by our audiences! Community is something that runs through everything we do at The Elgiva and it is humbling to witness the generosity of our patrons – especially in the straightened times in which we all find ourselves. We were able to share joy with our pantomime and our audience have repaid that tenfold, bringing joy and support to countless others. It is such a wonderful thing to be part of – some proper Christmas magic, right there!”
The Big Community Takeaway was founded by Mark Rosales in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, initially to support vulnerable people in the area who had lost work due to the pandemic, including the elderly, struggling families and those self-isolating, as well as NHS frontline workers.
The amount raised will fund over 200 high-quality, two course hot meals for people in need.
Head of Operations Mark was awarded a BEM (British Empire Medal) in the late Queen’s 2022 Birthday Honours List. He told The Elgiva: “Thank you so much to The Elgiva for choosing us as one of their charities this year. We’re so touched that people who saw their brilliant panto have been so generous. The money raised will help us feed people in Chesham and Amersham struggling to make ends meet during this tough time.
“Like us, The Elgiva is a massive part of what makes Chesham tick and we’re so glad to have worked together.”
Parkinson’s UK is this year was chosen by Chesham Mayor, Councillor Majid Ditta, as his chosen Mayoral Charity for 22/23.
Cllr Ditta told The Elgiva: “Parkinson’s UK is an incredibly important charity striving not only to support those affected day-to-day, but to drive research into this devastating disease. I am absolutely delighted by The Elgiva’s fundraising efforts and it is testament not only to the generosity of the audience, but to the hard work put in by the theatre staff and volunteers. This year’s pantomime was a hoot, and I enjoyed every minute – but knowing that Parkinson’s UK has benefited to the tune of over £1.5k really makes the panto experience extra special! My thanks to all at The Elgiva and the generous people of the Chilterns!”
The amount raised could fund over 100 hours of a clinical researcher, so Parkinson’s UK can test groundbreaking new treatments for Parkinson’s or it could pay for three helpline advisers for a fortnight, providing vital support to people with Parkinson’s and their families, friends and carers.
Kirsty Berrigan and Rebecca Landolt, Heads of Regional Fundraising at Parkinson’s UK, said: “We are so grateful to the Councillor Majid Ditta, Mayor of Chesham, and The Elgiva for choosing to support Parkinson’s UK.
“With more than 40 potential symptoms, Parkinson’s can devastate lives. We’ve made huge breakthroughs in the last 50 years, but there is still no cure and current treatments are not good enough. “We hope that this inspires you to get involved with Parkinson’s UK. There are lots of ways for you to get involved and support us – from volunteering at an event, to campaigning for better services. Without the generosity of people like you, our work would not be possible.”
We can’t wait to do it all over again… next year!
