Year of fundraising by High Sheriff boosts Wiltshire Community Foundation

Wiltshire Community Foundation have expressed their gratitude to Sir David Hempleman-Adams for his year as High Sheriff of Wiltshire which comes to an end in March.

Sir David’s ambitious fundraising targets were exceeded, raising in total over £110,000 for the Community Foundation, supporting both early intervention work for young people in Swindon and funds for Surviving Winter helping older people to stay safe and warm in their homes over the winter months.

In May last year Sir David held not one but two garden parties at his home near Box, Hatt House. The Pipes and Drums of the Royal Dragoon Guards entertained 360 guests in total followed by delicious lunches in a marquee in the grounds.

After a summer expedition to circumnavigate the north polar ocean Sir David also organised a High Sheriff Christmas Raffle, raising an additional £8,000 for Surviving Winter.

Rosemary Macdonald, Chief Executive of the Community Foundation says “We were delighted that Sir David felt able to support our new strategic grants programme to support young people in Swindon in his Shrieval year and his fundraising efforts have been tremendous.

"With his support more families are being supported to tackle the difficult issues around child-on-parent domestic violence which can be so destructive for families.”

On Sunday 2 April Sir David Hempleman-Adams celebrates his year as High Sheriff with a service to celebrate the Rule of Law in Wiltshire to be held at Salisbury Cathedral.

Sir David says “This year has been a great honour and a privilege and I am cannot think of another organisation so well placed in our county to identify and reach those young people who most need support.

"I am delighted that the money raised will be going towards such a worthwhile project.  What I like about the Wiltshire Community Foundation is the way they can identify need, are efficient and that they follow up to make sure the money is delivering what is needed.”