Fundraising for Sight Support Calderdale
On this page you will find highlights from some of our past fundraising events as well as our downloadable Fundraising Pack, full of ideas and tips if you would like to organise something yourself.
To stay up to date with upcoming fundraising activities and events, check our calendar –
Our Fundraising Pack
If you’d like to support Sight Support Calderdale, our Fundraising Pack is here to help. Inside you’ll find:
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Ideas and inspiration – from coffee mornings and bake sales to big challenge events
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Planning checklists – step-by-step guidance to keep things simple and organised
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Tips for promotion – how to spread the word and get people involved
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Donation information – the different ways you can send in the money you’ve raised
It is designed to make fundraising easy, whether you are planning something small or taking on a big challenge.
Download the Fundraising Pack here to get started:
Stay Safe by following these tips
Minimise Logistical Risks by:
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Ensuring any venue you choose has adequate access and complies with safety regulations.
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Establishing clear contracts with any vendors and have a back up plan.
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Checking all equipment in advance and having contingency plans in place.
Reduce Safety Risks by:
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Ensuring proper fire safety measures are in place, including fire extinguishers, marked exits and emergency procedures.
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Having adequate first aid supplies and trained personnel available.
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Only supplying food that complies with food safety regulations and is prepared in a safe environment
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Providing sufficient people to manage crowd flow
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Planning for inclement weather, possibly including re-scheduling options
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Ensuring the venue and any event activities are accessible to all.
Prepare for Other Risks by:
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Obtaining necessary permits and licences for the event, including the sale of alcohol or public performances
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Being mindful of potential negative publicity associated with the event.
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Securing appropriate insurance coverage to protect against potential liabilities
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Ensuring appropriate safeguarding measures are in place
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Making sure you have enough support in place to manage the event and that everyone is properly trained in advance
Lower Financial Risks by:
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Creating a realistic budget and tracking expenses carefully.
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Preparing for a low turnout by considering factors like event timing, location and marketing.
Past Fundraising Events
Route 66 Walking Challenge – Spring 2025
This spring, our community of members, volunteers, staff, family, and friends took part in our very first Route 66 Virtual Walking Challenge. Over the course of 50 days, each participant aimed to walk 50 miles and raise £50, helping us collectively cover the distance of the famous Route 66.
The challenge was designed to be accessible and inclusive, allowing people to complete their miles in their own time and at their own pace. The first 25 sign ups received a free T-shirt, and a £15 entry fee was refunded upon completion.
The final day was celebrated on Monday 19th May 2025, when participants met at the top of Westgate Arcade and took their last steps together into our Southgate centre.
Thanks to the generosity and determination of everyone involved, the challenge raised an incredible £3,703 to support our work with people living with sight loss in Calderdale.
This event took place while we were still known as Halifax Society for the Blind, before our rebrand to Sight Support Calderdale.
Josh's Cycle to Filey - 2nd August 2025
Unfortunately, we recently lost one of our trustees and members, Nigel Dean. Nigel was a keen partaker of both the Bowling Group and the Inbetweeners Group and could often be found in the café area with his doggy companion, Lola. Nigel will be greatly missed.
Nigel’s son Josh, completed the fundraiser in his dad’s memory. This will be a sponsored cycle from HSB centre to Filey beach on Saturday 2nd August. Josh will be starting his journey at 7am from the centre, we would love to give him a rousing send off so if anyone would like to join the staff please come along to the office for 6.45am.
Josh says that Halifax Society for the Blind has a special place in his heart as he has seen the positive impact it had on his dad’s life, giving him a sense of community and purpose in difficult periods.
Josh raised £1,875 in total. The money raised will be used to purchase, install and train staff to use a defibrillator at HSB centre. Any money left over will go on equipment needed to help raise awareness of this amazing charity.
Ladies Night – 28th February 2025
A glamorous evening for a great cause: Ladies Night in support of Halifax Society for the Blind
On Friday, February 28, we hosted a fabulous Ladies Night with all monies raised supporting Halifax Society for the Blind. The evening brought together wonderful company, delightful entertainment, and a shared spirit of generosity, all in aid of a fantastic cause.
The evening began with a warm welcome and a glass of crisp, chilled prosecco, setting the perfect tone for an enjoyable and relaxed gathering. Guests had the chance to mingle, catch up with friends and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
We were delighted to be joined by the talented Lisa and April from EarthThings Florist, who graciously supported the event with a captivating floral demonstration.
EarthThings Florist has been a beloved part of the Elland community for over 30 years ago. When the previous owner retired in 2022, Lisa who first worked as a Saturday girl in her teenage years, took over the business.
April having trained as a florist at college has worked at EarthThings for 28 years. Now located near Aldi at Elland, EarthThings has been recognised as Yorkshire Florist of the year and West Yorkshire Wedding Florist of the Year for the last two years. They actively support a number of local charities including Overgate Hospice, Forget-Me-Not Children's Hospice and local school St.Patrick's Academy in Elland.
With an emphasis on sensory engagement, Lisa and April guided attendees through the art of bouquet arrangement. Using descriptive storytelling, touch and scent to ensure our visually impaired guests could fully experience the beauty of floral design. Their expertise and passion brought a truly special touch to the evening.
As the demonstration concluded, guests were treated to a delicious spread featuring an array of tempting bites.
With appetites satified, the evening continued with a boutique style shopping experience. A clothing rail offered an opportunity to discover stylish new additions to wardrobes, while the book and bric-a-brac section provided an eclectic mix of hidden gems and fantastic bargains, ensuring there was something for everyone to take home.
The event was a resounding success, filled with laughter, generosity, and commuity spirit. We are immensely grateful to everyone who attended and contributed to making the night so special.
Past Fundraising Events
Race Night - 26th October 2024
Our Race Night at Northowram Social Club was a tremendous success, raising an incredible £1,115 to support our work at Sight Support Calderdale.
The evening brought together supporters for an exciting night of racing, food, and fun. Guests placed their bets, cheered on their chosen horses, and enjoyed a hearty pie and pea supper included with each ticket. The atmosphere was lively from start to finish, all in aid of a great cause.
We are so grateful to our generous race sponsors, Caravan Guard, Andrew Lomas Opticians, Mackereth Opticians, Brief Encounters, BPI Assets, Paul Ashton Electrical, and Deiniol Williams Ceramics, whose support helped make the event possible.
A huge thank you also goes to those who kindly donated raffle prizes, including Marks and Spencer, New Lodge Fisheries, Yates, Good Karma Coffee House, Electric Bowl, Czerwiks, Enchanted Tea Garden, Hebask Yorkshire, and Huddersfield Town Football Club.
Thanks to the generosity of everyone involved, the funds raised will go towards enhancing our technology studio, a resource that empowers people with sight loss to read their mail, access the internet with assistive technology, develop new skills, and enjoy entertainment independently.
We would like to thank everyone who attended, sponsored, or donated. Your support truly makes a difference, and we can’t wait to welcome you to future events!
This event took place while we were still known as Halifax Society for the Blind, before our rebrand to Sight Support Calderdale.
