The Chair's Fund was established by the former Chair of Council, councillor Rudi Springer, on taking office in May 1998. He wanted a focus for collecting funds for locally-based charities. Each year the new Chair of Council chooses which charity or charities he or she wishes to support. Any donations received during that year are presented to the charity or charities at the annual council meeting.
South Gloucestershire Council Chair's Fund 2010/2011
The previous Chairman of Council, Councillor Janet Biggin, raised £2,814 for her chosen charity, FAB - Frenchay After Burns Children's Club
South Gloucestershire Council Chair's Fund 2011/2012
This year the Chair of Council, Councillor Mike Drew, has chosen to support GAFSIP - Gambia & Avon Fire Services in Partnership.
This is a charitable trust which has been operating in partnership with The Gambia for 20 years. It makes a real difference in The Gambia by sending redundant fire and rescue, health and educational equipment and by securing training programmes and equipping Schools. It also has a mutual benefit for residents of South Gloucestershire as most of the goods donated by the local authorities would have been scrapped and sent to landfill sites which would have incurred considerable costs.
All the money raised by GAFSIP is used to cover the shipping expenses. There are no administrative costs and all the time and work in organising and delivering equipment is done by volunteers. Further information can be found through the website link
Councillor Mike Drew is keen to assist GAFSIP this year by increasing its profile and by raising as much money for the charity as possible. He would therefore be very grateful for any support you can give. If you would therefore like to assist in any way or make a donation further details may be obtained from Liz Smith, Civic/member support officer, tel: 01454 863012 or email: Elizabeth.smith@southglos.gov.uk