A group of local artists have created the Mayor’s Christmas card to raise money for a local hospice and a vital helpline that supports victims of domestic abuse.
Published: 03 December 2020
Peace Hospice Care and Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline have received a fantastic donation of £8,700 courtesy of the Mayor’s charity Christmas card. The card has been created by artists from the local arts charity, Cathartic CIC, who provide sensory, stimulating and creative experiences for young people who face challenges that others don’t.
Every year the Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, sponsored by local firms sends out a card to charities, voluntary groups and businesses across the town. This year’s card shows a touching tribute of all the amazing key workers that have been on the frontline of the pandemic.
Maria Todesco and Nicky Day, Directors at Cathartic CIC said “We hope that the ‘Thank You to Key Workers’ design will bring so many smiles to all that see it, every time we look at it, we see something new! The design has been collated by some extraordinary young people who make us feel so amazingly proud. The two charities that the card will benefit are very close to our hearts and it is a superb achievement for all.
“Our bespoke creative programmes for vulnerable people aim to enrich the lives of those in need, enabling them to experience the joys of achieving, to feel a sense of worth and a ignite a newfound purpose. Designing the Mayor’s Christmas card has encompassed all of this and has been a highlight of this momentous year.”
Gemma Norris, Head of Fundraising at Peace Hospice Care said “We are extremely proud of our staff and key workers, for not only delivering the excellent care that we always deliver, but for being a friend and a beacon of light for our patients and families during these challenging times. We are so grateful to the Mayor Peter Taylor, the local artists and the local businesses who sponsored this year’s Christmas card for their generous support. You have lifted our spirits and it’s because of you, and the kindness of the local community, that we have been able to continue providing care and comfort to those who need us – now more than ever.”
Christine Roach, Chair of Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline said “We are very grateful to Peter Taylor, the artists of Cathartic CIC and all the local firms which have contributed to this initiative. Victims-survivors of domestic abuse have been particularly impacted by lockdown this year and our call numbers have soared. At the same time, fundraising opportunities have been severely reduced by the need to socially isolate. This donation will make a big difference to us continuing to maintain our valuable countywide service.”
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor said “I’m really touched by the generosity of the firms who support my Christmas card – Camelot, Wenta, Watford Football Club, Murrill Construction, Everyone Active, Warner Bros, West Herts Golf Club, Veolia, Sigma, GS8 and Borras Construction.
I am so pleased that their generous donations will have a positive impact for my chosen charities this year, Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline and Peace Hospice Care, so that they can continue helping people in Watford and Hertfordshire. I am also so grateful to Cathartic for the brilliant card design. They are a fantastic local charity who do so much to help people in Watford.”
If you would like to donate or find out more about the services, please visit hertsdomesticabusehelpline.org and peacehospicecare.org.uk