Press release – 2 April
A popular community choir from southeast Cornwall has raised more than £1,000 for ShelterBox, to support people left without shelter after disaster or conflict.
Torpoint Lady Singers raised money at concerts throughout 2023, with every song sung raising critical funds for the Truro-based charity.
The choir has 35 members led by musical director Sylvia Fraser and accompanist Sue Westwell. They practice weekly at Cornerstone Church in Torpoint and new members are always welcome.
The cheque was presented by chairperson Jennie Reid, surrounded by members of the choir, to Peter Reid from ShelterBox at the choir’s annual general meeting.
Secretary for Torpoint Lady Singers, Chris Roper says: “Torpoint Lady Singers vote for a different charity to support each year. ShelterBox was the popular winner for 2023!
“We perform concerts throughout the year, some at ‘home’ and some ‘away’. It’s the ‘home’ ones that raise the money, from donations at the door in place of entry tickets, and raffles!
“Fundraising concerts with visiting choirs in 2023 included Penzance Ladies Choir in March, Launceston Male Voice Choir in July, and our annual Christmas Concert in December.”
The international disaster relief charity relies on public donations to fund its work around the world. It has supported more than 2.5 million people in around 100 countries since it was founded in 2000.
Community fundraising officer at ShelterBox, John Stanbury says: “Bringing their voices together in perfect unison at their concerts is just one of the ways the Torpoint Lady Singers have changed lives for the better this past year.
“The choir’s empathy for others and the generosity of their audiences will help ShelterBox to help those affected by conflict or disaster, wherever the need is greatest. Together we make a difference.”
The charity is currently supporting displaced people across the world, including in Yemen, Syria, Somalia, and Ethiopia.
It’s also responding in Gaza to support some of the 1.7 million people who have been displaced by the conflict. ShelterBox has launched an urgent appeal for the response in which it will be working with local partners and Rotary to support thousands of people with tents and essential items like sleeping mats, blankets, and water carriers.
To find out more about where ShelterBox is working, how to fundraise, or join its book club, people can visit shelterbox.org.
ENDS
For more information contact the press office at ShelterBox via [email protected].
Notes to Editors
- Images and captions included
About ShelterBox
ShelterBox provides emergency shelter and other essential items to families who have lost their homes to disasters. With operational headquarters in Cornwall, the charity also has 13 affiliate organisations worldwide. The charity has been Rotary International’s project partner in disaster relief since 2012. ShelterBox has supported more than 2.5 million people since it was founded in 2000. www.shelterbox.org
