THE Ilkley Macmillan Fundraising Committee is urging people to get behind the charity’s new Yorkshire Appeal. A spokesperson for the committee said:”Macmillan was founded 110 years ago by Douglas Macmillan and this last year has certainly been one of the toughest. The pandemic has led to the increased amount of demand for Macmillan’s services but at the same time the income has declined dramatically. In fact, in Yorkshire alone, fundraising has reduced by £1 million pounds. “Although our Ilkley Fundraising Committee has received a number of generous donations from supporters during the past 12 months, for which we are extremely grateful, we have sadly had to cancel many of our regular events such as the annual fashion show, quiz night, supermarket collection days and the monthly Ladies Luncheon Club.
DESPITE such a difficult year for Macmillan, among many other charities, the Ilkley Fundraising Committee has managed to raise over £9,000 that will go towards Macmillan projects in the local area. Chris Martinez, who heads the group, thanked the people of Ilkley and our area who have continued to donate generously despite there being no opportunity for fundraising events this year. The only event that was able to take place was the spring virtual fashion show which started the fundraising season. The Ilkley Macmillan Virtual Fashion Show 2020 featured charity supporters in their own gardens and patios modelling daywear/smart casual, bridal scene and after lockdown party wear.