Loughborough Pub Host Impressive Lockdown Fundraiser

A Loughborough pub has proven the power of fundraising from home this lockdown, raising thousands of pounds for a local homelessness charity.

Staff and patrons of The Needle & Pin reached an incredible total of £2560 with online and offline donations, during their fundraising attempt. The money was donated to The Bridge (East Midlands), who prevent and relieve homelessness throughout Leicestershire and Rutland.

The initial ‘Brave the Shave’ JustGiving page hosted a modest target of £500, with owner Sean O’Neill shaving his hair on a Facebook live event.

The generosity of local people saw the fundraiser quickly gain traction and exceed £1000. With one brave patron stepping in, a new target of £2000 was set in order to see a livestream of pub-goer Simon waxing his chest.

Jessica Metson, Communications and Fundraising Manager at The Bridge (East Midlands) commented:

“The Needle & Pin have shown us incredible support for a long time, with consistent fundraising efforts that always blow us away. They are a fantastic example of local community spirit.

“We are pleased to say that this incredible total will fund the purchase of food supplies for Charnwood Community Action, ensuring that local people are able to access food parcels during these unprecedented times.”

Charnwood Community Action is a local food and befriending provision which was set up in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, to maintain the work of food banks and community projects that have had to close their doors during the lockdown period.

Partners Charnwood Borough Council, John Storer House and The Bridge (as representatives of the Charnwood Food Poverty Group), the initiative has been operational since March.

During this time, there has been exponential increases in demand, with 500-600 food parcels being delivered each week while maintaining social distancing guidelines.

Cllr Deborah Taylor, the Council’s lead member for communities said: “We are continuing to work with our partners The Bridge and John Storer House through Charnwood Community Action to help residents most in need.

“The community spirit in Charnwood has been fantastic and we’ve been really pleased with the response to the campaign from individuals, groups and local businesses. A huge thank you to everyone involved in raising the funds which will help us continue to support the vulnerable members in our community.”

Sean O’Neill of the Needle & Pin, who shaved his head in the fundraising attempt, added:

“Our customers have always been generous when we shake the collecting tin for The Bridge, but to raise over £2500 in these troubled times was incredible, and we thank them all very much.”