Otley Carnival Legacy

Welcome to the first ever blog for ‘The Sarah Jackson Community Wish’. The aim of these articles is to keep you updated on the work we are doing behind the scenes, and also to inspire you to be a part of it – whether that be a donation, fundraising project or even just spreading the word around the local area!

One of the driving forces behind ‘The Sarah Jackson Community Wish’ came from a Just Giving Page that one of Sarah’s close friends, Nicola, set up as a way to commemorate Sarah’s untimely passing. With an initial target of £5,000, the idea was to raise money for Otley Carnival – a yearly event that over the past couple of years, Sarah had been a part of.

Sarah was always passionate about helping others, and being part of Otley Carnival was a way to express her commitment to her local community. Her focus was on the ‘Carnival Stars’, children in the Otley area, making contributions to events across the community under the themes of Equality & Diversity, Health & Wellbeing, Environment, and Community.  This would include lots of voluntary events for groups like:

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• Otley Action for Older People
• Friends of Otley Chevin
• Homeless Hampers
• Prickly Pigs Hedgehog Rescue
• Otley Town Council

To name but a few.

The Just Giving target was quickly surpassed, showing how loved and supported Sarah was and is. The Carnival has now raised in the region of £12,500, which is just an incredible amount. Sarah’s family was asked to attend a committee meeting to discuss ideas of how this money can help and lots of fantastic idea’s have been brought forward to ensure continued commitment to the Otley Carnival and the causes it is involved with.

One of these ideas is to filter back a portion of the proceeds back into ‘The Sarah Jackson Community Wish’, to kickstart the SJCW fund and hit the ground running. The aim of the SJCW fund is to further support and strengthen local people and causes and continue to spread Sarah’s kindness and light across the local area, for generations to come.

We have a lot of exciting plans to boost the Carnivals generous donation to the fund, including being a part of Otley Carnival 2024, in the procession and with a stall on the Carnival Field. Look out for our merchandise available to buy (including t-shirts and hats) as Sarah always liked to look the part! With all profits being put straight back into the fund.

Please subscribe to this blog to be kept updated on our fundraising activities throughout the year, as well as information on how to get involved, and of course how the SJCW donations are used and who will benefit.

Thank you so much for reading and we hope you continue to be part of ‘The Sarah Jackson Community Wish’ in whichever way you can!