Richard Shephard Music Foundation takes part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge

York-based charity Richard Shephard Music Foundation is taking part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge between Tuesday 29^th November and Tuesday 6^th December 2022. The Foundation is raising funds for the music holiday clubs it delivers in some of the region’s most disadvantaged or isolated communities.

Alongside the Foundation’s work providing music in 12 schools (such as Slingsby’s) during term time, the holiday clubs allow children, whatever their circumstances, the chance to enjoy a free day of singing and music in a relaxed environment during the school holidays. Children get to meet and perform with professional musicians, have fun, and develop their musical talent.

Donations to the holiday clubs will be generously matched by the Big Give’s Champions during the campaign, meaning any funding will go twice as far.

See our campaign page at: https://donate.thebiggive.org.uk/campaign/a056900002M4zRgAAJ and promotion video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIU-FR5AFuI&t=51s

Renowned mezzo-soprano Kathryn Rudge, who is supporting the Foundation in its cause, said: “The special memories and friendships that are made through singing, making music and performing together during childhood stay with you forever – and it was wonderful to see this happening for the children in Pickering.”

General Manager Cathy Grant explains: “Our holiday clubs have been a huge success so far and we’re keen to keep them going into 2023. We decided to team up with the Big Give Christmas Challenge to raise funds to increase the number of clubs we can run. It costs us just over £4,000 to put on five day- long holiday clubs throughout the year, around £800 per club. As we usually get over 30 children at each club, that works out at only £26 per child for a full day of high quality, inclusive, musical activity (and childcare) – we think that’s pretty good value! We’d like to thank Four Acre Trust for helping this year by providing match funding for any money we raise.”

For more information, visit https://www.rsmf.org.uk