Marlow Sports Club Covid-19 APPEAL 2020

Marlow Sports Club Covid-19 APPEAL 2020
Marlow Sports Club, like many others in our community, has felt the huge financial impact of Covid-19 this year and is launching a new fundraising campaign for 2020/21.

Marlow Sports Club has been a successful local charity since it was created some nine and half years ago to secure the use of prime, central Marlow grounds and facilities for multiple sport, socialising and small community business use while protecting it from the risk of property development.

Since the purchase of the land in 2011, our constitution as a charity and the construction of the All Weather Pitch, we have raised almost £1 million and repaid over £500,000 of our borrowings, with £200,000 of remaining debt to service and pay down. We have increased our membership to over 2,500. Everyone, of any age and background, is welcome to use the club while local companies and groups are usually able to hire the grounds and its facilities.

Having previously enjoyed strong finances, enabling us to survive this current crisis, we expect our revenue to drop by over £70,000 - largely as a result of the cancellation of key fund raising events (Monster Marlow Fireworks, Marlow Half Marathon, Red Kite Ride, Oktoberfest) and the decimation of our food and drink income. We have taken and will continue to take every available option to reduce our controllable costs.

With continuing Covid-19 restrictions and a second Lockdown, we are forecasting to make a deficit this year (to 31st March 2021) of almost £40,000 - notwithstanding the small business grant of £10,000 that we received from Buckinghamshire Council. This will fully utilise our cash reserves, which were of course held for just such circumstances.

In order to cover fully our adjusted fixed costs, and ensure that the charity isn't at risk next year, we are aiming to raise £40,000 through the “Marlow Sports Club Covid-19 Appeal”.

We are asking for personal and corporate donations to the appeal, corporate sponsorship and volunteers (especially those experienced in fundraising). We understand that these are challenging times for everyone so appreciate your support in safeguarding this important community facility.

Fundraising events will be promoted in the coming months and donations will be gratefully accepted online ( https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/marlowsportsclubcovid19appeal ) or via post. Please use the Gift Aid scheme if eligible.
Please contact us on email ( finance@marlowsportsclub.org.uk ) if you can help in any way.