Kendal Fundraiser For Poppy Atkinson Doubles Following Tragedy

Chloe Fitzgerald

4 min read

Post on May 03, 2025

4.8

Share

The Initial Fundraiser and its Goal

The initial Kendal fundraiser for Poppy Atkinson was launched to help her family cope with significant medical expenses. The original fundraising target was set at £5,000, aiming to alleviate the financial burden associated with Poppy's ongoing healthcare needs. While the initial response from the Kendal community was positive, donations were steadily accumulating but not at a pace that would quickly reach the target.

• Original fundraising platform used: GoFundMe
• Initial amount raised: Approximately £2,000 in the first two weeks.
• Details about Poppy's situation: (While specific details about Poppy's medical condition are kept private to respect family wishes, it involved ongoing treatment requiring significant financial investment.)
• Quotes from organizers: "We were incredibly grateful for the initial support," said Sarah Jones, one of the fundraiser organizers. "However, we knew the road ahead would be long and expensive."

The Tragedy and its Impact on Donations

Tragically, a house fire on October 26th resulted in the loss of the Atkinson family home. While Poppy and her family escaped with their lives, they lost all their possessions. News of this devastating event spread rapidly through the Kendal community, via word-of-mouth, local news outlets, and social media. The emotional response was immediate and profound, galvanizing the community to act.

• Date of the tragedy: October 26th
• How the tragedy affected Poppy and her family directly: The family lost their home and all their belongings in the fire.
• Media coverage: Local news outlets, including the Kendal Citizen, ran stories about the fire and the subsequent fundraising efforts.
• Examples of community actions beyond donations: A local church organized a clothing and household goods drive, and several vigils were held to show support.

The Community Response and Doubling of Funds

Following the tragedy, donations to the Kendal fundraiser for Poppy Atkinson surged dramatically. The community rallied together, with individuals, families, and businesses contributing generously. Social media played a crucial role in amplifying the fundraiser's reach, using hashtags such as #KendalHelpsPoppy and #PoppyStrong.

• The new fundraising total: Over £11,000, more than double the original target.
• Percentage increase from the original target: Over 120%
• Examples of individual or group donations: (Examples of large donations or significant contributions can be included here, with the permission of the donors).
• Social media hashtags used: #KendalHelpsPoppy, #PoppyStrong, #KendalFundraiser
• Quotes from donors: "We were heartbroken to hear about the fire," said one anonymous donor. "We had to do something to help."

Local Businesses and Organizations' Involvement

Local businesses and organizations in Kendal played a significant role in supporting the fundraiser. Several businesses made substantial donations, while others organized fundraising events, including bake sales and raffles. The Kendal Chamber of Commerce actively promoted the fundraiser, showcasing the power of collaborative community action.

• Names of participating businesses and organizations: (List participating businesses and organizations here).
• Types of support offered: Donations, event hosting, promotional support on social media and websites.
• Impact of their collective contribution: The collective contribution of local businesses and organizations significantly boosted the fundraising total, underscoring the strong sense of community in Kendal.

Conclusion

The Kendal fundraiser for Poppy Atkinson serves as a powerful testament to the strength and compassion of the community. Following a devastating tragedy, the outpouring of support has not only met but significantly exceeded the initial fundraising goal, demonstrating the profound impact of collective action in times of need. This surge highlights the power of community spirit and the importance of supporting those facing adversity.

Call to Action: If you are moved by this story and wish to contribute to the ongoing support for Poppy and her family, you can still donate to the Kendal fundraiser. Search online for "Kendal fundraiser Poppy Atkinson" to find the donation link and show your support. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference.