KACCL Business fundraiser lunch

The pandemic may have put paid to hopes of smashing more fundraising records, but the Kirklees and Calderdale Charity Lunch (KACCL) is moving online in the hope of making yet more money for great causes.

Last year’s KACCL saw the local business community donate an unprecedented total of £32,000 to two young people’s charities at the annual fundraising Christmas lunch and auction.

Covid restrictions mean organisers faced a stark decision – cancel the 2020 event altogether or switch to an online option. With so many charities already missing out on donations as a result of the pandemic, the committee set up a GoFundMe page where supporters can donate what they would have spent on a ticket.

All money raised will be split equally between four local causes:

  • The Nick Smith Foundation was set up in memory of father-of-two Nick Smith, from Halifax, who died at the age of 38 from motor neurone disease. The foundation supports research, bereaved children and funds rugby league across Calderdale and Kirklees.
  • The Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield would normally host a range of drama, dance, comedy. Its charitable fund is committed to helping young people and, through its Young Company, offers drama sessions and the opportunity to work with professional artists.
  • Global Diversity in Huddersfield supports the most vulnerable and disadvantaged young people in the area, steering them away from gang culture, crime and life on the streets. The charity nurtures their skills and encourages good citizenship through education and apprenticeships.
  • Calderdale Smartmove reaches out to the homeless, vulnerable and disadvantaged families across Calderdale to provide safe and secure tenancies for clients, working with them for 12 months to ensure their long-term security.

Anyone who wants to donate to this year’s event can do so by visiting the dedicated GoFundMe page and help organisers reach – and hopefully exceed – this year’s £1,000 target.

Over the past four years, the event has raised more than £100,000 for good causes. Plans are already in place to make the 2021 KACCL bigger and better than ever, with a date of December 2nd already set at the usual venue, the Cedar Court Hotel in Huddersfield.

Steve Crowther, chairman of the KACCL Committee and managing director at Crowther Accountants, said: “We’re devastated that we are unable to host this incredible event in the usual format this year. But by hosting a fundraising page, we can provide some much-needed funds for these excellent causes at a time when they are needed most. I urge everyone who has been looking forward to the event to take the time to contribute to the cause via the web page.”

The KACCL organising committee includes figures from local businesses across the region, which includes Stafflex, Chadwick Lawrence, Faith PR, Eastwood & Partners, Brug Consultancy, HelloMint, Cedar Court Hotels, Snug Creative and Crowther Accountants.