The Good Shepherd are kicking off celebrations to mark a 50-year association with Wolverhampton with a ’50 Years of Good’ fundraising campaign this summer.
It was in 1972 that the Brothers of the Good Shepherd first set up in Thornley Street to help the homeless and vulnerable in Wolverhampton, and, while the charity has evolved over the last half century and now operates out of Waterloo Road, the Brothers remain heavily involved.
Ahead of next year’s commemorations, the Good Shepherd are encouraging supporters to take part in a fundraising activity of their choosing over 50 days between June 7 and July 26, to help them continue to provide support to those who need it across the city.
“We are really looking forward to 2022 and the chance to mark the Brothers’ incredible contribution to the lives of people in Wolverhampton, but have decided to start the celebrations early with this fundraising campaign,” says Head of Operations Tom Hayden.
“Like many charities, we have lost out on income due to not being able to hold any events or fundraising activities during the pandemic, but remain heartened by how so many people have continued to support us with donations of either money or food.
“Hopefully, as restrictions now ease and we can all perhaps become a bit more active once again, people will think of a fundraising activity taking place over this 50-day period to mark the Brothers’ fantastic contributions over almost half a century, and ensure we can continue our work for the people who need us.”
The Good Shepherd has kept its doors open over those last 50 years supporting people not just with food but a range of other issues including accommodation, mental health, addiction and financial advice.
During the last financial year 1,089 individuals accessed the Good Shepherd for food and other support and a total of 26, 720 hot meals were served.
The charity’s staff and volunteers are also getting involved with ’50 Years Of Good’ with activities organised so far including walking, running and cycling as well as a car wash and cooking-based 50 second challenges.
Tom, who is planning to swim 21 miles, the length of the English Channel for his fundraiser, adds: “It can literally be anything people want to do and are able to do, whether it’s involving some form of activity or exercise or something less strenuous or completely different – the more creative the idea the better!
“Any amount that people are able to raise will have a positive impact on the work of the Good Shepherd and ensure we can continue to provide support across many different areas for the people of Wolverhampton.”
Anyone taking part can set up a free Virgin Money fundraising page and link to the Good Shepherd main ’50 Years of Good’ page (CLICK HERE) where people who would rather not take part in their own activity can also make a donation to the campaign if they wish.
Click here to download a sponsor form which can be printed.
- If anyone has any information about the history of the Good Shepherd, particularly any photos from the early years or the Silver Jubilee anniversary in 1997, please email [email protected]
