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The Launchpad Pancake Race 

Do you know a business who'd whisk it all to batter the competition and win the eggstraordinary annual Pancake Race in Broad Street on Shrove Tuesday 28 February?

You and three colleagues could be running down Broad Street, flipping pancakes in fancy dress on Tuesday 28 February. Spaces are already filling up fast for our pantastic annual lunchtime event for businesses based in and around Reading. Teams batter it out, egged on by cheering crowds. The race has been run on Broad Street for over 20 years.

Enter a team of four to win the coveted frying pan trophy. Prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Best Fancy Dress and a Team Spirit Award are all up for grabs.

When: Tuesday 28 February 2017. Racing starts at 12.30pm. Teams sign in at Broad St Mall from 11.45am

Where: Broad Street

Why: It’s fun and all proceeds help us prevent homelessness in the town

Entry form and find out more here >

Contact Ele Buckley for more information. Email or call 0118 929 1121. Closing date for entries: 22 February 2017

What happened last year
Muddy Face kindly filmed the event and you can view the full coverage here >

Fun-raising

There were so many fantastic events by individuals and groups organised in support of Launchpad in 2016.

2017 is already getting busy with more great events and individuals fundraising for us:

  • The Gig Issue 2. The Global Cafe, London Street from 8pm, Saturday 4 February. Local band All About Frank are supporting Launchpad with their second Gig Issue event. Admission is £3 on the door. Find out more on the gig poster >
  • The Enchanted Market. Garth Hill College, Bracknell, Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 February. A magical market with a great history of supporting the local community. This year it's supporting Launchpad. Find out more on the Enchanted Market website >
  • Juliette has recruited a team to take part in Rough Runner in Oxford in May and has already raised over £100
  • Toby is going to be running five (!) half marathons for Launchpad in 2017
Email Ele if you’d like to share your idea or call on 0118 929 1121.

We’d love to hear from you and help support you with your fundraising.

A beaming smile and a teddy bear...

Volunteer Pam did a turn as an Elf in Launchpad's Winter Grotto, which was open for two weeks over the festive period. Here is her lovely account of how her day went:

“I had some apprehension in my role as an Elf Volunteer, but as it turned out, it was a very humbling experience. Eight Launchpad clients and three children attended in two hours.
 
A babe in arms was given a Teddy Bear with very soft fur. His face lit up and he grabbed it in his chubby fists and would not let go. He rubbed his face in the soft fur. Then he lifted his face and gave me a beaming smile, before returning to rubbing his face against his new friend. Magic.
 
A young father with his family was encouraged to select gifts suitable for his young family. He was near to tears and thanked us for our 'kindness' which he said was more important than the actual items. He said that he appreciated that someone had cared about them, meaning the donors as well. Magic.
 
A man shuffled in hesitantly, with his face turned down to the floor and did not speak. I encouraged him to select items. Still looking downward he asked if he was 'allowed to have these things'. I said 'yes'. When he had chosen he asked me again 'could he take them home?' I assured him. At this point he lifted his face and smiled. His whole demeanour altered. He seemed less stooped. He stayed for a short while for a mince pie and a cuppa, and left a taller man. Magic.”

CEO’s blog

We have two people starting work this week. Sophie* is aged 29 and has been with Launchpad for nearly a year now. She had a complex and unhappy family life and found herself homeless. She has used her time at Launchpad to settle herself and to try and get herself into work. Read more >

We've given you a few weeks grace...

After the over indulgence of Christmas, it's time to get fit and support Launchpad! How about running a 10K or the Reading Half Marathon?

We're an official charity partner for the Green Park Royal Berkshire 10K and have 20 places to fill. It's the perfect run for 10K newbies... flat, fast and scenic. And a 10.30am start! We're just asking you to raise at least £75 in sponsorship.

Or if you have your own place in the Reading Half Marathon we'd love you to consider running and fundraising for Launchpad. Email Ele to find out more.

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