The Wakefield Annual Charity Christmas Lunch (WACCL) is set to return this December, promising an exciting new venue and an enhanced menu to delight attendees. Organised by Wakefield Children’s Charity in collaboration with Prosper Wakefield District, the festive event aims to raise funds for young people across the Wakefield District, having already generated over £300,000 since its inception in 2011.
Scheduled for Thursday, 12th December, the event will take place at Wakefield Trinity RLFC from 11:30 am to 4 pm. Tickets are available for £65 each or £600 for a table of ten, providing a unique opportunity for local businesses and community members to come together in support of a good cause.
Attendees can look forward to a drinks reception followed by a sumptuous three-course meal. The entertainment lineup will include performances from the Theatre Royal Wakefield Youth Academy, with additional acts to be confirmed in the coming weeks. The event not only aims to provide a festive atmosphere but also serves as a vital fundraiser for various charities and non-profit organisations dedicated to supporting young people in the region.
In 2023, the WACCL committee successfully raised over £25,000 and is setting its sights even higher for 2024, with a goal of raising more than £60,000. All funds raised will be distributed among various beneficiaries that work directly with young people in the Wakefield District, ensuring that the impact of the event is felt throughout the community.
Last year’s recipients included a variety of organisations such as the Theatre Royal Wakefield Performance Academy, Levi Star, Star Bereavement, The Give A Duck Foundation, Cyclists Fighting Cancer, Sense, and Blossom Training and Development. This diverse group highlights the wide-ranging support offered through the funds raised at the WACCL.
Clare Thornton, Chair of the WACCL committee, expressed enthusiasm for this year’s event. “There are so many charities and not-for-profits that deliver incredible work supporting young people throughout the Wakefield District, and we want to ensure that they have access to funds that allow them to continue,” she stated. “This year’s event is set to be one of the best yet. Not only do we have a great venue, but we also have an exciting new menu! Coupled with a fantastic entertainment schedule, including an auction and raffle, it’s a must-not-miss for any business based in or around Wakefield.”
Kath Lindley, Chief Executive Officer at Prosper Wakefield District, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the significance of the event for the local business community. “This partnership with WACCL is so exciting. It is an event that the business community looks forward to all year, and to know that with our support we can make it even bigger and better is fantastic,” she said. “We hope that people will get their tickets booked early to avoid disappointment and that we raise a record-breaking amount of money that will be used to support disadvantaged young people from the Wakefield district.”
As the date approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be a memorable event, with hopes of bringing the community together for a worthy cause.
