Mawnan WI’s Christmas fundraising tree
Keeping in mind the WI’s No More Violence against Women campaign, Mawnan WI decided that this Christmas they would fundraise for The Women’s Centre Cornwall. The Women’s Centre provides support for women who have experienced domestic abuse; since lockdown there has been a steady rise in these incidents. Mawnan WI members and village residents were invited to make a decoration for the Mawnan WI Fundraising Christmas Tree and were asked to give £1 to the charity for each decoration which they hung on the tree (which was generously donated by Falmouth Garden Centre).
Mawnan WI members queue up to post 126 Christmas cards
Over a year ago Mawnan WI members were busy planning an exciting programme of extra activities to celebrate their 2020 centenary. Many of the ideas focussed on the number 100, and the women did manage to complete one challenge which was to pick 100 bunches of daffodils to give to friends and neighbours. Then, of course, we were all thrown into lockdown. Although the members have had to adapt and think creatively about some of their activities and events, they have still been able to accomplish some of them – the latest being the challenge of sending 100 Christmas cards. This was upped to 126 so that members could send a card to each WI in Cornwall! Each member was invited to write a short message in a card about what the WI has meant to them this year and a note was inserted explaining the challenge. The members hope that these cards will show how important it is to keep connected with other groups across the county who share the values of the WI.
Away in a Garage!
Despite some torrential showers and blustery winds, there was a real sense of community as residents and Mawnan WI members went out and about taking a Sunday afternoon walk and visiting up to six garages around the village last weekend. The garages were open for an outdoor charity fundraising event: “Away in a … Garage”! The owners of each garage had decorated them with lights and played Christmas music to create a festive atmosphere. Mulled wine, mince pies and cakes, books, scarves, decorations, pottery, jams and chutneys were available along with two great tombolas and raffles for a hamper, and a beautifully decorated Christmas cake. A stunning £1,130 was raised for St Petroc’s , the local charity for the homeless.