A Loughborough homeless charity chose the summit of Mouth Olympus in Greece to announce that it has been saved from closure.
The Falcon Centre was on the brink of closure due to funding cuts. However, the service has been saved thanks to the kindness and generosity of local businesses, public donations, sponsorship events and grants amounting to over £130,000 that have contributed towards the survival of the centre.
Speaking from the summit of Mount Olympus in Greece, the centre’s fundraising and communications manager Lee Hardy, revealed that they had raised enough to save the charity, and the event alone raised £6,000. The charity also released a video on its social media channels about saving the charity and expressed gratitude for the support that has ensured its survival for the foreseeable future.
The ascent took place between March 21 and 25 and was the pinnacle of the fundraising activities, spearheaded to raise essential funds to save the centre. Lee was joined on the adventure by one of the charity’s trustees Alicia Butterfield, Emma Tattersdill, Environmental Partner at Bexley Beaumont law firm, and Adrian, one of Lee’s army friends. Together they faced treacherous conditions on their 2,900-metre climb.
They used crampons, ice axes and ropes to haul themselves up to the top as they navigated steep ridges in snow and ice. When they reached the summit on March 23, they flew a flag bearing the names of a dozen local businesses that had stepped in to raise vital funds for the charity.
The Falcon Support Services and Falcon Centre provides support to around 30 young men and women in need. They have a shelter with 30 beds in Pinfold Gate, Loughborough, and this service is said to be a ‘beacon of hope’ for hundreds of vulnerable men and women, providing them with essential support to get back on their feet and into their own homes. The charity faced potential closure due to a £210,000 funding withdrawal from Leicestershire County Council, but the funds raised will ensure the centre’s survival for the next 12 months at least. The announcement that the charity has been saved was made at the summit of Mount Olympus, the home of the Greek Gods, in an Olympic year, which seemed significant. The funds raised will make a real difference in the lives of those who rely on the centre’s services.
Lee said, “It felt amazing to reach the top of Mount Olympus with the team. Months of planning came together. This is a testament to the hard work and achievements of the last six months and raise money for the Save the Falcon campaign. Together these funds will help make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable people in Charnwood and Leicestershire.”
“For people in recovery, getting off the streets is a mountain to climb. Our challenge pales in comparison to their daily struggles. But we are still very proud to be helping to raise funds that will give some of the most vulnerable people in our society the support they need to scale their own mountain while at the same time raising vital funds for those who need it most.”
“Every pound counts, and every donation raised makes a difference to the lives of those who rely on the centre’s services. Let’s continue to support this vital service and ensure that the Falcon Centre remains a beacon of hope for those in need.”
Visit www.falconsupportservices.org.uk to find out more.
