Wimbledon tennis charity shares 10-year feelgood factor with local community
The Wimbledon Foundation, the official charity of The All England Lawn Tennis Club and The Championships, celebrated its 10th anniversary on Saturday at a Community Party event attended by more than 150 people.
Local residents were treated to a variety of activities including outdoor games and a treasure hunt featuring items representing the Foundation’s vital work, birthday-themed mask-making activities provided by Polka Theatre, and three Early Years at Wimbledon sessions for under-fives to discover the magic of Wimbledon through music, movement and storytelling.
Complimentary refreshments and cupcakes were served with families also enjoying their own picnics on the former Wimbledon Park golf course on the day.
Those coming along included representatives of local organisations and charities supported by the Wimbledon Foundation.
Among them were the deputy leader of Merton council, councillor Eleanor Stringer, councillor Max Austin, the former chairman of The All England Lawn Tennis Club and Wimbledon Foundation Trustee, Ian Hewitt MBE, and chairman of the Wimbledon Foundation since 2020, Bruce Weatherill.
Since 2014, the Foundation has invested more than £20 million in charitable activities locally. Through its work, the Foundation has reached nine million people and supported nearly 400 organisations, with 977 grants and donations awarded and 142,000 items donated to charities.
Over the next 10 years, the Foundation plans to strengthen and support diverse communities through its work, as well as using the power of sport to continue to inspire young people.
Mr Weatherill said: “The Community Party to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Wimbledon Foundation was a great success and we were delighted to be able to bring members of the local community together.
“Over the past 10 years, we are proud to have awarded £20 million to charity and we look forward to another decade of supporting those in need and championing opportunity for all.”
Pictured top: Two of the many who made the most of a fun-filled Saturday in SW19 (Picture: Wimbledon Foundation)
