Letter of thanks from CEO of The Shewsy – Vicki Parker

Dear Friends and Supporters, 

I am absolutely delighted to share the wonderful news that, with just five minutes to spare, we reached our Big Give target of £85,000. It was a tense and emotional moment for the team and me, but thanks to the incredible generosity of 271 donors, we made it and we are deeply grateful. 

Your support means more than you can imagine. The Shewsy has stood as a cornerstone of Everton for over 120 years, providing safety, stability and opportunity in one of the most deprived wards in the UK. Many of our children and young people grow up facing significant challenges including higher than average levels of poverty, food insecurity, poor health outcomes and limited access to safe spaces. For many, the Shewsy is not just a youth club. It is a lifeline, a place to belong, to be heard and to be supported and its a place where our young people feel safe. 

One parent shared with us recently: “We’d be lost without the Shewsy. With money being so tight, it means everything that you provide a hot meal so I don’t have to worry about this.”  

Your donation helps make moments like this possible every day. 

We could not have achieved this milestone without the Salopian community, who came out in force to support the campaign. Our long-standing relationship with Shrewsbury School is precious to us. The support they offered throughout the week was extraordinary, from the team who filmed and posted our videos to help spread the message, to the pupils who championed our cause. The partnership continues to flourish, enriching the lives of young people in Everton and Shrewsbury alike and showing what true community looks like. 

A special thank you goes to our pledger, Charles Mamby, and to the Reed Education Trust. Without their support, none of this would have been possible. 

We are also incredibly proud of our own community here in Everton. Our young people were out collecting donations with huge enthusiasm, the team ran a raffle to raise extra funds and our parents even took on sponsored runs to support the campaign. This is the Shewsy way. We all pull together because 'people matter more than things'. 

The funds raised this week will go directly towards essential improvements in the club, staff training and core running costs. These may not be glamorous things, but they are the things that keep our doors open and allow us to help every young person be the very best they can be in their lives. 

From all of us at the Shewsy, thank you. Your generosity keeps this historic institution thriving and ensures that the children and young people of Everton continue to have the care, support and opportunities they deserve. 

With heartfelt gratitude, 

Vicki Parker 

CEO