THEATRE-GOERS who watched this year’s pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Assembly Hall donated more than £7,000 to Hospice in the Weald.
Bucket collections were held at the end of each performance during the three-week run. The annual collection raised £7,320.61 for the theatre’s chosen charity.
The Hospice in Pembury provides access to compassionate, individualised, holistic care for all patients with a terminal illness, their families and carers.
The money raised can pay for counselling sessions for 20 patients or family members who are seeking additional support, for however long they need it.
Beth Swarbrigg, Fundraising Director for Hospice in the Weald, said:Â “The Assembly Hall Theatre has been supporting Hospice in the Weald for over 18 years.
“The generosity of the audiences for every performance is staggering and will make a huge difference to the patients, families, and carers supported by Hospice in the Weald each and every year.
“It costs over £7million to run the Hospice and with less than 11 per cent of our funding provided by the government we are dependent on the generosity of the community we serve to provide our vital services.”
The Theatre Director, JJ Almond, added:Â “As a theatre, we have always been passionate about supporting charities and committed to the communities that we serve.
Martin Dodd, Director at UK Productions, said:Â “Pantomime is all about families and I can think of no better cause to raise money for than one that provides such much needed help and support to families when they most need it.”