Friendly donation in support of local charities

Updated: 29 Apr 2024

King’s Lynn Oddfellows has donated £1,500 to two local charities to help improve and save lives in the region.

King's Lynn Oddfellows with the cheques

Two vital donations

The friendship group, which consists of mostly older and retired local members, presented a £1,000 cheque to Norfolk and Waveney Mind and £500 to RNLI Sheringham Lifeboat Station on Wednesday 24 April.

The money was raised through raffles and donations from members during its weekly meetups at Reffley Community Hall over the past 12 months.

Each year, the Chairman of King’s Lynn Oddfellows chooses the charities they want to fundraise for.

Roger Williamson, now the outgoing Chairman, said: “I chose Norfolk and Waveney Mind because I am aware of the ever-increasing problems of how mental health issues are affecting society today, particularly among the younger generation.

“Norfolk and Waveney Mind is an independent charity who raise their own funds, and tailor their local services according to what people in this area need the most. They have a wide range of services to help people struggling with mental health issues, including a crisis helpline as well as recruitment support, training and educational resources.”

It’s this kind of support that helps us in our mission Lee Dade

Lee Dade, Resource Centre Manager at Norfolk and Waveney Mind, said: “Norfolk and Waveney Mind is incredibly grateful for this generous donation and appreciates the hard work of the Oddfellows who have contributed to support some of our services.

“It’s this kind of support that helps us in our mission to ensure no one in Norfolk and Waveney should have to face poor mental health alone.”

The Oddfellows has been a long-term supporter of the RNLI Sheringham, which Roger was keen to continue during his year-long tenure as Chairman. Three lifeboats have been donated by the Society to date, in addition to essential equipment for the station and its crew.

More on the Oddfellows

King’s Lynn Oddfellows is one of 99 nationwide branches that make up the Oddfellows friendly society, one of the oldest and largest of its kind in the UK. Our aim is to improve people’s lives through friendship, support and charity.

As well as its fundraising initiatives, King’s Lynn Oddfellows hosts a range of affordable and accessible events in and around the King’s Lynn and West Norfolk area which are open to all.

Oddfellows members can also access a variety of benefits including care and welfare support and a travel club, and there are also opportunities to volunteer.

Branch Secretary King’s Lynn Oddfellows, Alison Schultz, said: “There’s something for everyone here and we’re a really friendly bunch.

“Anyone interested in finding out more about us should get in touch with me or come down to one of our brilliant events. You’ll be sure of a warm welcome.”

Alison can be contacted by emailing alison.schultz@oddfellows.co.uk or calling 01553 776 030.

If you're based elsewhere you can discover the group closest group to you on our Branch Finder. You can also find events near you using out Events Finder.

If you'd like to find out more, or request a free membership information pack, you can contact us.