08 Nov 2023
A crowdfunding campaign has been launched to secure another year of support for a popular community café.
Voluntary group Leeanna’s Wish runs the café every Tuesday between 10am-12 noon at Cottonmill Community and Cycling Centre, offering an opportunity for older adults to re-connect, form new friendships, and socialise in a warm and welcoming environment in the heart of their community on a weekly basis throughout the year.
It has received a conditional offer of match funding from Herts county council, but needs to reach £3,226 in order to get this funding for the 52 weekly sessions.
Leeanna’s Wish director Antoinette Strachan explained: “We are thrilled by the conditional approval of +Extra Funding from the HCC Community Innovation Fund.
“Our community café, also known as ‘Coffee & Cake’ (plus so much more!) holds a special place in the hearts of all involved, and we are determined to meet our target to secure another year of funding of this vital resource.
“We have until January 8 to do so and ensure we receive the conditional approval of +Extra Funding from the HCC Community Innovation Fund. Please like, share, support.”
Cottonmill residents Paulette and Sue are regular users of the café.
Paulette said: “It’s a very warm and welcoming club, you get people from all walks of life. I personally have met some lovely people who I would never have met in my lifetime, it’s for the young and the old and young at hearts.
“I go with my dog walking friends, it’s something we all really look forward to, our bacon roll Tuesday, I have recently caught up with a lady I haven’t seen in over 30 years. It’s an amazing place to have a catch up and a laugh and a joke, real hats off to everyone who makes this the community that it is.”
Sue added: “We need it funded because it brings people together, everyone is friendly and without it so many people would be at home alone. People come just for the company and the laughs we share and would miss Tuesday club. Also the tea, coffee, cake and bacon rolls are great!”
You can pledge your support on the crowdfunding page at: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/community-cafe-22
