January good causes remembered from 2011, 2016 and 2018

In Januarys 2011, 2016 and 2018 local people, schools and groups raised funds and made donations to charities and community services, with notable contributions including £2,300 for East Anglian Children's Hospices and a £550 donation to Cancer Research UK.

This look back recalls community fundraising and volunteer activity reported in Januarys of 2011, 2016 and 2018. The items cover donations, grants, charity shop openings and volunteer recognition across West Norfolk towns. Local schools, clubs and voluntary groups are featured for their fundraising and service. The pieces show a pattern of small organisations supporting regional and national charities. Highlights: - January 2016: West Norfolk Gilbert and Sullivan Society sponsors arranged for donations made during performances of The Yeoman of the Guard to go to Age UK, Tapping House, Macmillan Cancer Support, Alzheimer's Society and the East Anglian Air Ambulance. - January 2016: Teddy, a nine-year-old at the Magpie Centre and the West Norfolk Riding for the Disabled Association, passed an assessment to take clients on carriage driving; the centre also received a £2,500 grant from West Norfolk Council distributed by the Norfolk Community Foundation. - January 2016: Staff and pupils at Downham Preparatory and Montessori School raised £2,300 for East Anglian Children's Hospices through events including a harvest festival, choir singing and a Santa fun run. - January 2011: Downham Lioness Club president Jean Wright presented a £550 cheque to Tim Gilbert of Cancer Research UK after a Hall of Stalls event, with the money for breast cancer research. - January 2018: Fakenham Ukelele group presented a £300 donation to the town day centre, and sixth form students from Churchill Park Complex Needs School donated £375 to the Royal British Legion after selling pottery poppy bowls. - January 2011: A charity shop called Positive Impact Worldwide opened in Downham with the stated aim of helping some of Nigeria's 5,000 street children. Summary: These reports document local fundraising, donations and volunteer recognition that supported a mix of regional services and national charities. Undetermined at this time.