A busy drive for funding could result in countless new opportunities for children to learn how to sail in the spectacular Swansea Bay.
Enthusiastic members of Mumbles Yacht Club have already raised around £8,000 in their aim to hit the target of £10,802.
They’re now appealing for local people and organisations to help with the final push through Swansea Council fundraising platform Crowdfund Swansea. Their deadline is mid-August.
The platform also has a number of other Swansea projects seeking pledges from individuals and businesses.
The club has also secured funding of almost £37,700 from national sport and physical activity organisation Sport Wales.
The two sources of funding have allowed the club to invest in a range of new sailing dinghies and other apparatus that will be ideal for young would-be sailors.
Yacht club Commodore Richard Woffinden said: “We want to encourage more children to learn to sail and to make progress once they’ve mastered the basics – and are thrilled about the support from the Sport Wales Be Active Fund.
“We’re busy raising our own five-figure sum as part of our fund-raising effort – and we’re delighted that local community donations have taken us to within around £2,000 of our Crowdfund Swansea target.
“Like many other volunteer-run organisations, we’re still trying to cope with the lingering financial blow dealt by the Covid crisis; it’s wonderful that people have rallied round through Crowdfund Swansea.”
Andrew Stevens, the council’s cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, said: “The yacht club’s fundraising is a great idea and I’m glad that, as part of the crowdfunding effort, the council has donated £5,000 to the cause.
“Many members of local lifeboat and coastal rescue teams started their seamanship at Mumbles Yacht Club – and the club’s now looking to the wellbeing of future generations.
“By training at the club, children will develop skills, self-reliance and self-confidence.
“Crowdfund Swansea has plenty of other projects that meet important community needs and I encourage individuals and businesses to consider pledging; they’ll be helping projects go ahead in their own community.”
I urge those who can do so to help out with a donation through Crowdfund Swansea!”
The yacht club fundraising drive is one of a number on Crowdfund Swansea right now.
Others include:
- Swansea Schools Orienteering – Raising £5,303 to introduce orienteering into 25 primary schools where children would not otherwise have the chance to enjoy the sport.
- Silver Surf – Raising £8,636 to deliver regular surf sessions for the over-50s from Swansea and Gower.
- Boardwalk at Parc Llewelyn – Raising £50,049 to restore a boardwalk, improving life for people of all ages and abilities – and for the many species of birds, frogs and insects that live in this Morriston park.
A push for £5,106 to organise three outdoor markets and an activity day in Gowerton this summer has already hit its target. The aim is to improve health and wellbeing, offer physical and creative chances, and to support local business.
Crowdfund Swansea is managed for the council by crowdfund specialist Spacehive.
It’s part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
