A number of local businesses are raising money for HIV charity The Sussex Beacon, in the run up to and during Brighton Pride this week.
A team from The Sussex Beacon will be on an open top bus during the Pride parade, to thank local people for their support.
Some of the fundraising efforts going on across Brighton for The Sussex Beacon include:
♦ A Disco Lovers Pride Street Party at Brighton Rocks Kemptown is raising money all weekend. A percentage of money raised from a special drink ‘the disco lovers drinkie’ will be donated and a glitter T-shirt stall will also raise funds, alongside a bucket collection.
♦ The Royal Bank of Scotland customer care centre in Brighton is fundraising all week.
♦ OS Barber Shop in George street, Kemptown, will be donating Friday’s takings.
♦ The Sussex Yeoman pub is donating 10% of its brunch takings on Saturday.
♦ The Railway Club is running a Pre-Pride fundraising party on Friday night.
♦ The Duke of York’s Picture House on Preston Road has a unique way of raising money for The Sussex Beacon during Pride, it will be charging revellers £1 to use its toilets – £1 a pee!
♦ The Amsterdam Bar & Kitchen is selling glittery Brighton Pride T-shirts in aid of the charity. T-shirts are £12.50 and they have samples at the bar for people to try before they buy.
♦ Fundraising T-shirts are also available to buy from ‘The T Chest’ on Gardner Street.
The Sussex Beacon has had a difficult year, after funding cuts put services at risk. A successful campaign #savethesussexbeacon was launched and has helped enable the organisation to continue delivering its services.
This, alongside non-statutory grants and a restructure, has meant the charity has been able to keep its doors open. The organisation is now in the process of being adapted to become more sustainable and less reliant on NHS funding.
Simon Dowe, Chief Executive of The Sussex Beacon, said: “Local businesses are really pulling out all the stops to support us this week and we’re so grateful. There are loads of ways to help us – buy a fundraising drink or T-shirt, drop a few coins in a bucket or even pay to go to the loo! The money raised ensures we can help those people with HIV who really need us in the year ahead. Thanks so much and have a fabulous Pride!”
The Sussex Beacon provides specialist support and care to over 500 people living with HIV a year, offering both inpatient and outpatient services to improve health and promote independence.
Those using the charity’s services may be facing serious HIV related illnesses, dealing with mental health issues or struggling to cope with the side effects of new drug regimes.
Recently rated ‘outstanding’ by the independent health regulator, The Sussex Beacon provides first class care and support to those in need.
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