Circo Lounge in Westbourne recently selected Diverse Abilities as its charity of choice and dedicated two months of fundraising to them as part of its regular Lounge Aid efforts, raising £1,593.
The lounge-bar-diner’s fundraising included holding various events to support the local disability charity. They walked 30 miles from Nautico Lounge in Weymouth to Circo Lounge in Westbourne, hosted a bake sale, many quiz nights, a chilli eating competition, a car wash and took part in the charity’s Dorset Neon Run.
Forfeits were also designed by the team at Circo Lounge for their staff to encourage donations from customers. One team member had to work a shift without talking, some of the male employees had fun with waxing strips and two team members had to dress in onesies during a very hot quiz night!
Funds raised by Circo Lounge will contribute to a sunken trampoline at the charity’s specialist school, Langside for the students to enjoy.
Nicole Warrilow, corporate and community manager at Diverse Abilities, said: “Many of the children who attend Langside School are wheelchair bound. A sunken trampoline provides a sensory experience and a weightlessness, which can be so important for our students. Not only does it provide fun, but it can used as a learning tool. Targeting communication, the team at Langside School focus identifying communicators of each child and understanding their likes and dislikes. They also aim to keep the students fit and healthy. Physiotherapists can actually use the trampoline for rebound therapy, which aims to develop and promote motor skills, body awareness, balance, coordination and communication.”
George Graham, community and event organiser at Circo Lounge, said: “Diverse Abilities is an incredible cause, they were our first choice and we’re so happy to have raised awareness for them and some money towards a project that will support children with disabilities. We’re very thankful to our customers and the community for coming together to support some remarkable people and an amazing cause.”
Nicole added: “The hard work Circo Lounge put into their fundraising was inspirational! They made it fun and exciting, while also working as a team. Fundraising should be seen as an opportunity to be social and active, which is exactly what these guys did. It was a pleasure working with them all. They feel like a big family.”
If you would like to do something extraordinary for the extraordinary people that Diverse Abilities supports, get in touch with Nicole Warrilow by calling 01202 718266 or email Nicole.warrilow@diverseabilities.org.uk
For more information about the work of Diverse Abilities, visit www.diverseabilities.org.uk