Charity CEO takes fundraising to new heights by working from lift

The Chief Executive of a local charity is working from a lift for three weeks in an unusual bid to raise vital funds for urgent building works.

Chantelle Mead from the Independent Living Centre in Semington is working from inside the lift for three weeks, only adding furniture to her ‘new office’ as mini fundraising targets are reached. The challenge milestones are £100 for a cushion, £500 for a chair and £1,000 for a desk.

She is fundraising for three essential projects for the charity, including a full electrical rewire, a replacement boiler following repeated breakdowns and a modern lift to ensure continued accessibility.

Alongside public donations, the Independent Living Centre is also seeking support from grant funders, including the National Lottery Community Fund, and has already made progress thanks to the support of the Hobson Charity and Stiltz Homelifts.

Chantelle said, “As a small charity, we simply can’t absorb costs like this, so I’ve tried to do something a little unusual that would get people talking. By taking on the challenge myself, I wanted to show my personal commitment to my team, the building and the people who rely on us, and that I’m willing to do whatever it takes to fund the work needed.”

The Independent Living Centre offers Occupational Therapy advice and assessments to disabled people, older people and people living with long-term health conditions to enable them to stay independent at home.

The building is also home to a number of local charities and support organisations, making it an important community hub for people seeking advice, support and practical help.

To donate and follow Chantelle’s progress, visit https://gofund.me/7ad5d7cfb. For more information about the work of the Independent Living Centre, visit ilc.org.uk.