Login

The Kangaroos Business Newsletter

Business Newsletter June 2020

We just wanted to say a very big HELLO to our valued business supporters.
So much has happened since our last business newsletter, that it is hard to know where to start! One thing is for sure, we are craving the fun and happy times we had last summer celebrating our 25th Anniversary. The image above shows just one of the many happy memories we created for our Members.
Sadly, the Covid-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on our operations. We have faced significant challenges. But despite having to close all of our clubs and activities, we are still doing everything we can to support our Members.
We are living through unprecedented times, but we are, as you already know, not the kind of folk that get knocked down easily. We are working hard to keep the Kangaroos spirit alive. We thought you might like to know what we have been up to, so read on for some heart-lifting news. We are sure you will agree, we could all do with a little bit of extra Kangaroos' spirit and optimism right now.
Thank you for your continued support. We couldn't do what we do without the businesses who so generously continue to support us.

Operational Update

Since lockdown began on 23rd March, we've been working hard to adapt and continue to support our Members. Without the usual clubs and activities, many of our families have struggled. Caring for someone with a learning disability can be hard, especially without the respite and support our services usually offer.
But, as one mother recently commented,
"Kangaroos is a major support for us at the moment … their online programme of activities has become our lifeline"
We've set up a virtual activity programme, including club Zoom sessions and parent/carer Zoom evenings. We regularly call our families to keep in touch and signpost those in need of support to relevant services. We have a new Covid-19 signposting page on our website and we have set up a closed Facebook Group for our Members to share photos, exchange ideas and support each other.
Sadly we have missed seeing many of you, our business supporters, at our fundraising events, which we have also had to postpone.
Just like businesses, we have had to make some very difficult decisions, which has included furloughing all of our sessional staff until our clubs are back up and running. Some of our core office staff are also currently on furlough, but we are looking forward to welcoming them back in the team from July. 

Don't stop me now

Please can you help?

Barry Gittins (Baz) suffers from severe autism. His normal routine involves going out with his carer 5 times a week to enjoy swimming, trampolining and LOTS of walking.
Lockdown has been understandably unsettling for Baz, who's life revolves around set routines. With his whole family self isolating to minimise any risk to health, exercising (something Barry loves) has been a challenge.
To help Baz with his exercise needs and establish a routine, sister Penny set him a daily target on a treadmill they have set up in their garage. Baz started off walking for 20 minutes at a time, but is now walking for 90 minutes continuously every day, achieving distances of up to 7.5K. He loves listening to music while on the treadmill and Queen is his favourite band. 'Don't stop me now' is a coincidentally apt Queen track!
A family member said Baz was doing so well, he should raise money for charity. It obviously had to be Kangaroos! So a Just Giving page was set up with a target of raising £200.

Baz has walked the equivalent of 3 marathons in 3 weeks,
raising over £1,000 for Kangaroos

Baz misses Kangaroos and wanted to do something to help keep his favourite charity alive. We have had to close our clubs, but we are still here supporting our members with a programme of virtual activities and Zoom meet-ups.

Kangaroos is a lifeline for many families
You can help Baz and all of our other young people with learning disabilities

Donate now on Baz's Just Giving Page here

Thank you. We understand we are all in the most difficult of circumstances. But just a small donation will help us to continue to support young people with learning disabilities. They need us now more than ever.

Our stay-at-home activity programme

During lockdown and for the foreseeable future we have put in place a series of stay-at-home activity programmes, designed by our brilliant operations team. Activities are set in 6-weekly blocks with a different theme and activity each week. We are currently entering our third 6-week programme, which we will continue providing until we are able to re-open our clubs again.
Activities so far have included art projects, such as creating memory boxes and Easter crafts. Our members have also enjoyed baking, gardening and making bird feeders. Fun themed weeks have included Harry Potter week and Disney week. And we have loved seeing all of the amazing things our Kangaroos Members can do in our 'Kangaroos got Talent' week.  
We love seeing so many smiley faces on our Zoom get togethers. Our Members have really been missing friends and the staff they usually see at Kangaroos clubs, so have loved seeing each other on Zoom.
We've also enjoyed some Zoom picnics together with sing-alongs! 

Save the date .......

Charity Golf Day

Kangaroos 6th Charity Golf Day has been provisionally rescheduled for 1st October 2020.
The popular event, originally due to have taken place in May was obviously postponed due to the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.
We hope the event will be able to go ahead as planned in October. Teams are expected to be 4 people in each, but this will be reviewed nearer the time to adhere to any social distancing measures.
Golf entry fee £60 per person, plus admin booking fee.
(Max handicap for men 24, ladies 30)
Sponsorship packages are available - please contact fundraising@kangaroos.org.uk for more information.
The headline sponsor this year is Barratt Homes
All proceeds will benefit Kangaroos

Bringing colour to the lives 
of people with learning disabilities

 huge thank you to all of the businesses who have supported us in the past, present and future. We couldn't do what we do without you.
Please stay in touch and keep up to date with Kangaroos news on our website and don't forget to follow us on Facebook.

news

Related news

GDBA 2024 image