The 1st November 2020 marked our 30th anniversary. On the run up to the milestone, we had planned many exciting events to celebrate this amazing achievement. However, due to the pandemic and social restrictions, these were unable to take place, resulting in a huge loss in donations.
That is when the ‘30for30’ campaign was created – a campaign designed to generate £30,000 for the 30 years that we have been providing specialist recovery support services to those in need within Essex and Medway.
Many of our staff, volunteers, trustees and supporters took part in events and challenges over the course of a year. Including a recovery walk, which took place on the 4th July where everyone involved walked far and wide enjoying the gorgeous views of the South East. Quiz nights were held via zoom and most recently at a venue in Chelmsford. Our Chief Executive Sarah Wright hosted an afternoon tea and raffle, while Open Road’s founders, Bridie McElroy and Richard Ashrowan took part in their very own challenge. They walked 30 miles to Kagyu Samye Ling, a Tibetan Buddhist Monastery and Centre for World Peace & Health, and back, near their home in Scotland. We also had scooter rides, walking challenges, and a member of staff lost weight to raise money. Bike rides were had in the sunshine and most impressively, a group climb up Mount Snowdon.
We would like to thank all of those who took part in the campaign. All of the events and challenges, no matter how big or small have all gone towards hitting our target of £30,000.
All of the money raised from this campaign will be put straight back into our organisation to underpin, deliver and enhance frontline services that are provided to the communities of Essex and Medway.
Sarah Wright explained why the ‘30for30’ campaign is so important, “30 years ago, Open Road was founded to help vulnerable people in local communities regain happier, healthier lives. 30 years on, we are providing the same dedicated, compassionate support to those most in need. Everybody we help is someone’s loved one, friend, neighbour or work colleague. The last two years have been incredibly difficult for everyone. For Open Road, cancelled services and fundraising has meant losing over £100,000 income, it’s a devastating loss. Our ‘30 for 30’ fundraising campaign asks everyone to please donate £30 or more to Open Road to ensure that we can continue to help local communities.”
Here are just some of our wonderful fundraisers in action:
