Last week, The Lord Mayor of Norwich, Councillor Vivien Thomas held a formal ceremony at City Hall to handover funds to representatives of the 2024/2025 civic chosen charity – The Benjamin Foundation.
The ceremony followed the Eaton Park Miniature Railway fundraiser earlier this year.
The Benjamin Foundation, established over 25 years ago, provides a range of services including homelessness prevention, emotional wellbeing support, and positive activities for young people. Their mission is to bring hope, opportunity, stability, and independence to those they support.
The fundraiser, held at Eaton Park in August, hosted by the Eaton Park Miniature Railway proved to be a huge success. With hundreds enjoying the festivities the event managed to raise a fantastic £953.00 for The Benjamin Foundation.
The railway is run solely by volunteers in the local area, offering rides to visitors of all ages on beautifully crafted miniature locomotives, bringing joy to families across the city. The railway started dedicated charity days in 2022 after the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Lord Mayor of Norwich, Councillor Vivien Thomas said: “It has been such a privilege for us to support The Benjamin Foundation this year, their work in our community makes such a meaningful difference to the lives of young people, offering hope and practical help to those who need it most.
“This fundraiser and the money raised are a true testament to the generosity of our residents and I’m very pleased to have been involved.”
Joshua Antcliff, Fundraising Officer at The Benjamin Foundation said: “We are very grateful to the Lord Mayor and everyone who participated in the Eaton Park Miniature Railway fundraiser back in August this year.
“These funds will go directly towards helping young carers in our community, ensuring they can access vital support and opportunities."
Steven Battle, member of the Eaton Park Miniature Railway, speaking on behalf of staff who took part in the fundraiser said: “Our team thoroughly enjoyed hosting this event and contributing to such a worthy local cause.
“It's wonderful to see the community come together to support The Benjamin Foundation and we hope to work with them again in the future!”
The Benjamin Foundation runs a Christmas gift appeal giving more than 3,000 young people, children, and families hope and stability during the festive season. Find out more information about the appeal and to donate visit http://www.benjaminfoundation.co.uk/support-us/events/christmas-gift-appeal.
For more information about the charity, visit www.norwich.gov.uk/CivicCharity
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