An appeal has gone out to businesses to support an online charity auction to raise funds for the Martin Marriott Foundation (MMF) and the Friends of Canford School.

The foundation, named after Martin Marriott, who was Headmaster from 1976 until 1992, works closely with the Royal National Children’s SpringBoard Foundation to provide bursaries for disadvantaged and vulnerable children and young people.

Tiffany Fleming, Chair of Friends of Canford School, said that, due to the pandemic, some of the traditional lots enjoyed in previous years were unable to be provided.

As a result, organisers were looking for ideas and offers that could work in the current climate.

Tiffany, pictured left, added: “Like many Parent Teacher Associations, Friends of Canford School is a volunteer group who organise social events and raise funds for various good causes.

“The social element of any school community is a really important factor and one that has suffered greatly because of the recent pandemic.

“There has also been a significant impact on the opportunity to fundraise for deserving causes.

“The school prides itself on being able to offer support to the local community via its excellent outreach programmes and partnership projects.”

This year the Friends are seeking to support local charitable causes which have been hit hardest by the current climate.

Through the Friends, the school is looking for a variety of lots to offer to the entire Canford School community.

With more than 10,000 exclusive contacts, businesses supporting the online charity auction will be able to promote themselves to a select high-net worth audience.

The online event takes place on November 20 and runs for two weeks.

There is also an opportunity to sponsor the auction.

The Friends are appealing for help from:

• Artists who can donate artwork
• Authors (signed books)
• Clubs (sports memorabilia, rounds of golf or similar)
• Restaurateurs (a meal out)
• Owners of UK holiday lets (a short stay)
• Businesses able to sponsor the event and reach a desirable audience of current and past parents, Old Canfordians, and supporters of the school.

Tiffany said: “Fundraising and securing support for charitable causes is harder now than ever.

“I have been gifted 13 auction lots so far from a host of very generous local businesses.

“If you can help make the magic happen, it goes without saying that I’d love to hear from you.”

• Tiffany can be contacted at [email protected]