Cash boost helps Reading Sea Cadets in 'Raise the Roof' campaign

A housing company has helped a local sea cadets group towards their ambitious target for a new roof.

The Reading Sea Cadets have received £1,000 from Persimmon Homes Thames Valley through its Community Champions scheme.

The cash goes towards the £82,000 target the group has for a new roof for its building in Oxford Road, Reading, Berkshire.

The scheme invites local groups and charities to bid for a match-funded donation from a national fund, with two donations of up to £1,000 being made locally every month.

Andy Mancey, chairman of Reading Sea Cadets, said: “For several years the cadets have been unable to use our facilities due to an unsafe roof, and have been making use of space in a shared gym.
Equipment has to be moved to and fro each session, it is cramped and unsuitable and having a detrimental effect on staff and cadets.

“We have managed to raise more than £41,000 towards our target so far, securing grants and through our own fundraising activities.

The cadets themselves have raised £6,000 by running a catering tent at a rowing regatta, running stalls at events and selling scrap metal.
Planned events include a curry night, silent auction, kindling sale and car boot sales.

He added: “Thank you so much to Persimmon Homes for their generous grant, we are now well on our way to hitting our £82,000 target.”
Rachel Faulkner, Sales Director for Persimmon Homes Thames Valley, said: “Being able to return to their own premises will be a real boost to Reading Sea Cadets, and we are delighted to be able to help them in their Raise the Roof appeal.

“It is important to us to work with local communities and to support projects that make a real difference – just like this one.”

Two charities every month are selected to receive funding from Persimmon Homes Thames Valley, and charities can apply as many times as they like.

For more information visit www.persimmonhomes.com/charity