Charity receives large donation after public vote

The Rainbow Centre in Fareham was selected along with seven other regional charities from across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to be entered for a public vote for the money organised by the Masonic Charitable Foundation.

The charity was ‘overwhelmed’ to be selected after winning the most public votes.

Chief Executive at the centre Lara Bull said: ‘With so many great charities in the region we were honoured just to have been chosen to go into the public vote.’

The Rainbow Centre provides a help service for adults and children from six months old to the elderly who have cerebral palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s and those recovering from a stroke or head injury.

Vital Conductive Education has been provided to children with cerebral palsy for 26 years at the centre and focuses on human potential and the capability to learn.

Lara added: ‘With our attendee numbers growing we have naturally had to build our team of conductor-teachers.

‘It is wonderful to be supporting more people but that has added to costs.

‘Winning the masonic vote will help with that growth, £25,000 will make a huge difference to The Rainbow Centre.’

Currently the staff supports 49 children and 49 adults. Lara added: ‘We are so grateful to everyone in the communities we support who took the time to vote online and inspired others to vote.’

Sessions held at the centre aim to improve the quality of life for individuals working in partnership with their families and carers.

Key skills such as speech, sitting, standing, walking, co-ordination, balance and fine motor skills help to build independence.

Mike Wilks, Grand Provincial Master from the Freemasons said: ‘We are proud to support so many charities across Hampshire.

‘But in this special 300th anniversary year we wanted to involve the public as well as our local Freemasons in deciding which of the nominated charities should benefit most.

‘The Rainbow Centre is a wonderful charity, making a real difference.’

For more information about The Rainbow Centre or to donate visit rainbowcentre.org/