An annual Christmas fund appeal has been launched by Weymouth and Portland Mayor, Cllr Kate Wheller, and the Weymouth & Portland Lions Club.

Cllr Wheller, pictured, is appealing to the community to support those in need this Christmas and help raise some festive joy across the borough.

The appeal, which is managed by Weymouth & Portland Lions Club, aims to raise as much as possible to improve the lives of the vulnerable in the community.

Every single penny raised will go to those who need it most, as it did last year, for:

  • Christmas lunch for elderly and vulnerable people
  • Dorset Echo Toy Appeal
  • Donations to five local food banks

The five food banks were Soul food, The Salvation Army, The Lantern, Weymouth food bank and Portland food bank.

Last year the appeal managed to raise a total of £1,669.87.

Cllr Wheller would also like to invite members of the public to take part in a charity raffle.

The raffle will be raising money for The Friendship Club, a local charity helping organise social events for people with learning difficulties, and which is Cllr Wheller’s chosen charity for the year. The prize on offer is a bottle of House of Commons 10-year-old single malt whisky.

Those who wish to take part can purchase tickets, £1 a square, from North Quay reception.

Cllr Wheller said: “I am pleased to launch our annual Christmas fund appeal and make a difference to those most in need during this festive time of year.

“The residents of Weymouth and Portland have consistently shown a strong sense of community spirit and I am extremely grateful to the many people who donate and help raise money for so many worthy causes.

“Weymouth and Portland Lions Club will once again manage the fund and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their amazing support.”

Les Board, Vice President of Weymouth and Portland Lions Club, said: “I would like to thank everyone who makes a donation. It is only with their kind assistance that we are able to make life a bit easier for those in our community in greatest need.”

Donations are gratefully received and can be sent to Mayor’s Christmas Fund Appeal, Council Offices, North Quay, Weymouth, DT4 8TA, or given to the reception desk where appeal envelopes are available. All donations will be acknowledged, unless you ask to stay anonymous.

Any organisations, groups or individuals that could benefit from the fund this year can contact the above address.