The Barker-Mill Foundation (BMF) makes a variety of large and small donations across south west Hampshire which enable organisations to purchase much needed equipment, make improvements and provide additional support. Among these donations the BMF also provides sponsorship to individual charity and community events. And between October and December 2018 the Foundation has donated £14,000 to enable two charity events to go ahead – and to light up the streets of Totton with festive spirit.
The Murray Parish Trust received £5,000 to help support its 2018 Odd Ball fundraising event. It was held at the Hilton at the Ageas Bowl, hosted by TV star Tamzin Outhwaite and guests enjoyed a three-course meal with a variety of entertainment. This year the “through the looking glass” themed event was a great success and resulted in the charity meeting its £2 million fundraising milestone. The BMF has been a long-standing supporter of the charity as they have gone through their campaign to raise funds to build a dedicated and world-class children’s emergency and trauma department at University Hospital Southampton.
Another charity the BMF has provided continued support to is Breast Cancer Haven which received a £5,000 donation towards its Christmas concert which was held earlier this month in St Peter’s Church in Titchfield, where the charity’s support centre is based. This event was also a great success, bringing together 400 people from the local community and raised vital awareness of the services offered to people with breast cancer.
The final £4,000 donation from the BMF enabled the Totton and Eling Christmas committee to ensure Christmas cheer throughout the community in the run up to Christmas, with the purchase of thirty festive lamp post motifs and the electricity to keep them glowing through the festive period.
Tim Jobling, BMF Trustee, said: “It’s really important to us that we support charities and organisations in a variety of ways. Being able to provide the funds to enable charity and community events to go ahead is great, especially when we see the amazing benefits they bring.
“As long-standing supporters on the Murray Parish Trust it was wonderful to be a part of the Odd Ball event that resulted in them meeting their fundraising target!”
The Barker-Mill Foundation (BMF) has donated over £4 million to organisations in the New Forest and surrounding areas since 1995, from funds provided by members of the Barker-Mill family in memory of Peter Barker-Mill. The Foundation makes around 80 donations each year predominantly to those in the areas where the family has owned land for generations.