BSSC has been operating in Bishop’s Stortford since 1884, but the impact of Covid reduced training hours and pool hiring opportunities and the club had to go looking for additional funding to stay afloat.
BSSC launched their #KeepStortfordSwimming crowdfunder appeal with much trepidation on Sunday 1st November with a target of £10,000 – £5000 to be raised by the club, and £5000 matched with Sport England’s Active Together funding. Members got creative with incentives such as car washing, shirt ironing, cake making, dog walking and overnight stays (Doggy Ray Care), local vouchers and raffles to reward donators.
Through the generosity of members and supporters and a Corporate Sponsorship from two locally based companies, the club smashed through the £5000 requirement within three days, and with the Sport England funding the final total was an amazing £11,555!
Pre-Covid BSSC had plans for increasing support to their members and offering more events to younger swimmers in the local community. Covid turned it into a fight for survival, but with support through the crowdfunder campaign and ongoing support through this latest lockdown, the club can start to dream big again.
