‘Home’ and ‘away’ concerts throughout the year
A popular community choir from southeast Cornwall has raised more than £1,000 for ShelterBox, to support people left without shelter after disaster or conflict.
Torpoint Lady Singers raised money at concerts throughout 2023, with every song sung raising critical funds for the Truro-based charity.
The choir has 35 members led by musical director Sylvia Fraser and accompanist Sue Westwell. They practice weekly at Cornerstone Church in Torpoint and new members are always welcome.
The cheque was presented by chairperson Jennie Reid, surrounded by members of the choir. Peter Reid from ShelterBox received the amount during the course of the choir’s annual general meeting.
‘Torpoint Lady Singers vote for a different charity to support each year. ShelterBox was the popular winner for 2023!’ explains Chris Roper, Secretary for Torpoint Lady Singers.
‘We perform concerts throughout the year, some at ‘home’ and some ‘away’. It’s the ‘home’ ones that raise the money, from donations at the door in place of entry tickets, and raffles!’
‘Fundraising concerts with visiting choirs in 2023 included Penzance Ladies Choir in March, Launceston Male Voice Choir in July, and our annual Christmas Concert in December.’
Fundraising concerts with visiting choirs in 2023 included with Launceston Male Voice Choir. Image provided by ShelterBox.
ShelterBox: supporting more than 2.5 million people worldwide
The international disaster relief charity relies on public donations to fund its work around the world. It has supported more than 2.5 million people in around 100 countries since it was founded in 2000.
‘Bringing their voices together in perfect unison at their concerts is just one of the ways the Torpoint Lady Singers have changed lives for the better this past year,’ says John Stanbury, Community fundraising officer at ShelterBox.
‘The choir’s empathy for others and the generosity of their audiences will help ShelterBox to help those affected by conflict or disaster, wherever the need is greatest. Together we make a difference.’
The charity is currently supporting displaced people across the world, including in Yemen, Syria, Somalia, and Ethiopia.
It’s also responding in Gaza to support some of the 1.7 million people who have been displaced by the conflict.
ShelterBox has launched an urgent appeal for the response in which it will be working with local partners and Rotary to support thousands of people with tents and essential items like sleeping mats, blankets, and water carriers.
To find out more about ShelterBox, visit: shelterbox.org