Charity’s virtual fete is a New Forest first

18 June 2020

Charity’s virtual fete is a New Forest first

A Hampshire charity is taking its popular annual fete online for fundraising and fun during the coronavirus lockdown, in what is thought to be a first for the New Forest.

Minstead Trust supports people with learning disabilities and its annual fete is a key part of its fundraising each year as well as a chance for its supporters to gather and socialise.

With this year’s physical event cancelled, the charity’s virtual fete will take place live on Facebook on Friday 26 June.

Highlights of the day include:

• Launch of the virtual balloon race (12pm)
• Splash for Cash – sponsored drenching of staff member (1.30pm)
• Drawing of the winners of the online raffle (3.30pm)
• Winners picked in the Great Fete Bake, animal and plant competitions
• Goat racing

Funds raised from the virtual fete will help Minstead Trust to continue supporting people with learning disabilities to live more independent and fulfilled lives. The Trust runs Furzey Gardens in Minstead and Hanger Farm Arts Centre in Totton, offering work experience for people with learning disabilities to work towards employment.

Dawn Wood, Minstead Trust Director of Development, said: ‘The team has come up with such a creative idea and prepared a fantastic fun line up for the day. We are really hoping people will get behind our unique fundraiser, and make their donations to support our ongoing work with people with learning disabilities.’

Entry to the competitions is now open and raffle tickets and balloons are on sale. Visit the Minstead Trust Virtual Fete.