New fundraising initiative to assist vulnerable people in Wales launches later this month

A community organisation has announced a new fundraising initiative for the coming month to assist vulnerable and lonely people across Wales.

Nanny Biscuit’s idea, ‘A​ Grand Week in Wales’, originated from their mission to raise money and therefore combat food poverty, isolation and loneliness.

There will be a variety of challenges based around the theme of Wales’ 1000-mile circumference which will start on 22 February and lead up to St David’s Day on 1 March.

They are encouraging members of the public to join in the activities which can be done at home, school, or during daily exercise routines, with all COVID safety and regulations in mind. 

It will see a virtual 1000-mile border of Wales being travelled from the home of Nanny Biscuit, the start of Wales’ Coastal Path in Deeside, with the final mile being run by Great Britain’s Paralympic Bronze medal winner Beverly Jones. 

Other activities included as part of ‘A​ Grand Week in Wales’ are:

• 1000 letters and St David’s Day cards between old and young 
• 1000 art Daffodils 
• 1000 musical performances  
• 1000 trees or bulbs planted in association with Green Paw Project 
• 1000 line poem 
• 1000 Welsh cakes 
• 1000 meals for our homeless 
• 1000 meals for our key workers 
• 1000 pieces of plastic recycled by litter picking in association with Green Paw Project 
• 1000 acts of kindness from the community 

Nanny Biscuit is also encouraging the people of Wales to come up with their own challenges on this theme to help their community and fundraise. 

James Hunt, founder of Nanny Biscuit, said: “From the feedback we’ve received and have seen on social media, we know people are really struggling and they need something to get behind and engage with.

“Nanny Biscuit has helped so many people, not just the service users but the volunteers themselves, helping in areas such as mental health and isolation. This is what having a purpose can do for people.

“A Grand Week in Wales is an event for the week leading up to St David’s Day, which really engages, inspires and uplifts our communities. A Grand Week in Wales will see Nanny Biscuit facilitate multiple, socially distanced, safe activities throughout the week, engaging a diverse audience throughout the communities of Wales.

“We believe this will empower people to help themselves; giving them a focus, a feeling of positivity and doing something good whilst also helping their wellbeing and the community – something we all really need right now. And of course, it’s all about raising old fashioned community spirit in the process.”

Jane Hutt, Welsh Government Deputy Minister, said: “During this pandemic it’s been genuinely humbling to see some of the amazing work that selfless volunteers are doing for their local community.

“I want to thank Nanny Biscuit and the other charitable organisations right across Wales that are helping to support their communities and the most vulnerable people in our society.

“Thank you for everything you do. It’s vitally important that if you’d like to volunteer or offer support, that you keep yourself and others safe. Please follow the advice and stay safe.” 

To get involved, visit www.nannybiscuit.org or https://nannybiscuit.org/grand-week-in-wales/.