Clitheroe ‘virtual’ fundraiser smashes her target

An Alzheimer’s Society supporter from Clitheroe, raised over £1,000 by holding a raffle live on Facebook – more than four times her original target.
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Donna McDonald-Macnaughton managed to secure an incredible 43 vouchers from generous local businesses as raffle prizes, for everything from interior decorations and meals out to a car valet service and toiletry giftboxes.

Donna allocated raffle tickets to people who had made donations on her JustGiving page, publicising the event in The Clitheroe Advertiser and Times. Her 11-year-old son, Arthur, drew the winning tickets as people watched live on Facebook at the end of June.

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Inspired by the need to support people affected by dementia at a time when the charity’s fundraising has been so affected, Donna hadn’t expected the level of support that she received from people donating prizes as well as buying tickets.

Donna's goal was originally to raise 250, but she smashed the target raising more than 1,000Donna's goal was originally to raise 250, but she smashed the target raising more than 1,000
Donna's goal was originally to raise 250, but she smashed the target raising more than 1,000

She said: “I couldn't have done the raffle without all the local businesses who've supported me by donating prizes. They really have amazed me in such a difficult time we're all living in.”

There are 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK, including an estimated 16,280 in Lancashire. People living with the condition have been the worst hit by the coronavirus pandemic – it is claimed a quarter of those who have died from COVID-19 had dementia.

Sue Swire, Alzheimer’s Society community fundraiser for Cumbria and Lancashire, said: “Donna has done an amazing job – firstly in obtaining all the prizes but also in getting people to donate and take part. She really has gone the extra mile and managed to do something virtually, with great success to raise such a fabulous amount of money. I cannot thank her enough for her support, we really do appreciate her efforts at this very difficult time."