Another very successful year, thanks to the efforts of all our volunteers and to the individuals and organisations who have supported us. Fundraising is fundamental to our very existence. In 2019, with 15 liveried bikes covering our 3 counties, we spent nearly £105,000 for servicing, tyres, fuel, insurance, and depreciation Our fundraising efforts mean we have funds in the bank to cover some of the necessary bike replacements in 2020.

Almost 70% of our fundraising income was from direct cheque donations – the largest being a personal donation of £10,000 which bought us a new bike called ‘Rich’. Various groups have donated – Masonic Lodges, Rotary clubs, motorcycle groups, funeral directors (on behalf of bereaved families), choirs, churches and WIs. An increasing number of folk have set up personal Just Giving pages and directed the funds to us (£13,000+). Complementing all this is the income we raise at the many fundraising events we attend – ‘the money in the buckets’ plus the contents of numerous rattle cans.

Events Fundraising activity has been busy and we did 96 events including 16 supermarket collections, various shows, biker events, open days etc. The diary is filling up for this year. Apart from raising funds, the Events enable us to recruit riders, controllers and event fundraisers, to raise awareness of our charity and to socialise with fellow members.

Our Talks Team were very busy in 2019, 202 talks delivered, bringing in over £30,000 in donations and over 100 talks booked already for 2020.

In 2020 we seek to secure some ‘bike size’ donations as well as consolidating on our successful Events Fundraising activities. Our increasing membership numbers will support this, and we seek to expand our corporate connections.

Thanks to everyone who has contributed.

Please direct any Fundraising Opportunities to: fundraising@ssbbgroup.org.uk