Ribble Valley Crossroads Care flying high with three-day virtual balloon race ...and there are cash prizes up for grabs

A local organisation, which provides specialist support to carers in their own homes, is launching a virtual balloon race to support their fundraising lost during the COVID-19 crisis.
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Volunteers have been unable to hold street collections, events, food fair or village fetes which has resulted in loss of cash to support the vital rural borough organisation.

Ian Joyce, chairman of Ribble Valley Crossroads Care fundraising committee, said: "Since Lockdown, charities have lost many of their usual sources of funding, particularly at this time of year.

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"With this in mind, Ribble Valley Crossroads Care have taken their fundraising 'virtual'. They are holding a virtual balloon race over the three days of the August Bank Holiday. Everyone is invited to join in the fun. Check the website and buy a balloon, you can even choose the colour of your balloons..

Clitheroe Mayor, Stuart Fletcher and his wife Kerry, were among the first to sign up.Clitheroe Mayor, Stuart Fletcher and his wife Kerry, were among the first to sign up.
Clitheroe Mayor, Stuart Fletcher and his wife Kerry, were among the first to sign up.

"Over 200 generous people locally and even as far away as Australia, the USA and Iceland have already joined in.

"Take off is noon on Saturday, August 29th, and finishes at noon on the Bank Holiday Monday. Watch your balloon travelling who knows where over three days, check the leaderboard to see where your balloon is at any time, and maybe win one of the cash prizes of £100, £50 and £25.

"You can do all this and help a very worthwhile charity without even leaving your armchair. No real balloons or gases are used, this is a virtual event".

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Jaime Murphy, Crossroads Care Manager, said: "Throughout lockdown we have continued to provide our essential services to many residents of the Ribble Valley. However, we still face additional costs of PPE in order to keep our staff and the people we support safe. We intend to use the money raised to contribute towards these additional costs so we can continue to provide our services safely."

Virtual balloon raceVirtual balloon race
Virtual balloon race

Balloons cost £3 each and to take part you just click here If you don't use PayPal, please contact the Crossroads Office on 01200 422104 and arrange to pay by cheque, BACS or cash.

Balloons can also be purchased at the Clitheroe Rotary pop up shop, opposite Buckleys Chemists on King St, over the next couple of weeks. Clitheroe Mayor, Stuart Fletcher and his wife Kerry, were among the first to sign up.

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