Welcome to Jenny our Fundraising Manager

Jenny McCarthy joined us as Fundraising and Partnerships Manager on 1 March.
Although most of our services are funded by KCC and the NHS, we also rely on funding from charitable trusts, corporates and community fundraising. With over 20 years’ fundraising experience in charities including Marie Curie, Demelza and RNLI, we’re very excited to have Jenny on board.
Jenny is spearheading our recently launched Time for Me Fund Appeal and has already started her ’20 in 21′ fundraising challenge.
Can you tell us about one interesting fundraising activity you’ve been involved in during your career?
I feel privileged to have been involved with so many exciting activities over the years it’s hard to pin one down. I have been honoured to meet members of the royal family when organising RNLI boat naming ceremonies. I did a sponsored skydive, to promote the event and recruit participants, which was terrifying and exhilarating at the same time. I did the same with a fire walk event, I never imagined I’d be able to walk on hot coals without burning my feet – but I’m delighted to say all was safe and well. Overall, I am humbled by the passion and energy people put into their fundraising and the activities they undertake, often with great personal commitment or great exertion.
What are you excited about in terms of your new role at Carers’ Support East Kent?
Well, where to start! Happily, there are so many opportunities. I am greatly excited about exploring the possibilities from motivating individuals to start their own fundraising activities, seeking support from local businesses, schools, and community organisations to putting on events and working with volunteers to raise funds locally.
Why do you want everyone to spread the word about our Time for Me Fund Appeal?
As part of our 20th Anniversary year, we have launched our Time for Me Fund Appeal to give access to breaks – giving Carers time for themselves. We are seeking donations as well as encouraging people to do some fundraising too. You can get involved simply by helping spread the word with family, friends, colleagues or by sharing our posts on social media. It’d be wonderful if you were able to make a donation, gifts of all sizes will make a difference or why not join in with one of our fundraising activities, the 20 in 21 challenge or Bake 4 Carers. There’s lots of information about our Time for Me Appeal here.
How can Carers’ Support East Kent support fundraising efforts?
We have branded T-shirts and balloons to help everyone’s fundraising activities along. Plus, there are some useful ideas, hints, and tips in our Fundraising Support Pack.
If you have an idea for a fundraising activity or have links with organisations and companies we might partner with, please get in touch with Jenny by emailing fundraising@carersek.org.uk