SOMETHING FOR THE REGION TO SMILE ABOUT!

AMAZING RESPONSE TO CHARITY CAMPAIGN GIVES A HIGH FIVE TO LOCAL VOLUNTEERS

Text: HIGHFIVER To: 70085

HEY Smile Foundation has been overwhelmed by the response to its #HIGHFIVER Appeal which it launched on Monday 6 April. The appeal was designed as a way for people to show their appreciation and fund the support provided by the thousands of volunteers operating across East Yorkshire during the current pandemic.

People were asked to write #HIGHFIVER and Text: 70985 on the palm of their hand and hold it up for a #HIGHFIVER selfie to share the message and get people donating and sharing in community pride.

Thanks to the generosity of the Horncastle Group PLC and other leading local businesses, for every £5 donated, matched funding has been provided, raising a massive £20,950!

Andrew Barber, CEO of the HEY Smile Foundation said “We’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity of people right across the region, with tweets from well-known personalities like Luke Campbell, Gemma Oaten and Michael Jibson alongside over hundreds of local residents.”

“All the money raised in the campaign, which have been generously matched by Horncastle Group PLC and boosted by a donation by KCOM, has been distributed to community champions who are making a massive difference to the efforts of the nation to prevent NHS admissions, and allowing vulnerable people to return home from hospital sooner.”

Andrew Horncastle, Chairman of Horncastle Group PLC, said: “The #HIGHFIVER Appeal is a great initiative and as soon as we heard about it, we jumped on board.”

“It’s essential during this period to support each other as much as we can, but because we’re in lock down, it isn’t easy to find a way to do that.”

“#HGHFIVER brings together businesses, individuals, social media and volunteer groups to support those in our community who need it most. Well done to Andy and the team at HEY Smile Foundation for making it such a success.”

Local charities and community groups can apply for funding from the #HIGHFIVER Campaign through Beecan, Smile’s simple online system. Some of the organisations that have already received a financial boost are Bundles of Joy, St Michaels Youth Project, KingFisher Café and The Hinge.

So how does a #HIGHFIVER message and text provide help?

Groups carrying out great work in their community can access up to £500 in grants within 24hrs of applying through SMILE’s simple online Beecan system.

From fuel cards to stationary, carrier bags to high vis vests, these grants will make a real difference and provide vital support to the groups to carry on their great work, safely and even more supported.