Hi I’m Bonnie and as I approach the anniversary of my first year as Community Fundraising and Participation Lead at JIGSAW Thornbury, I’m excited to reflect on a fantastic year and share our plans for 2026. My role has been varied and rewarding, beginning with a whirlwind start supporting volunteers to organise the JIGSAW Jaunt — a community Easter-themed walk ending at the JIGSAW Community Café — which raised £107.61. I also worked alongside a colleague to plan the Tortworth Lake café, where volunteers raised a staggering £2,776.50 by selling tea and cakes to walkers.
It has been an incredible year of developing community events, supporting and working with volunteers, building relationships with local partners, and raising awareness of JIGSAW Thornbury across the community.
Fun and engaging community events
One of the highlights has been the fun and engaging community events and WOW, what a fantastic line up we had! From tail-wagging competitions to vibrant celebrations of creativity and community spirit, our events brought everyone together for fun, laughter, and connection. Standout features of our year include our Charity Dog Show, the imaginative Fun Palaces, and our colourful Purple Party.
The Charity Dog Show brought the community together with classes like Best Dressed and Waggiest Tail, supported by Bark and Hawkes House, raising £720.51. Fun Palaces offered a heartwarming day of free creative activities provided by generous local businesses, community groups and charities, and our first Purple Party celebrated the incredible achievements of our youth volunteers at Thornbury Golf Club, raising £2,625.
Community support and partnerships
What I have noticed during my first year is the amazing support that JIGSAW Thornbury has from the community. Our charity could not succeed in it’s mission without them, and I’ve been privileged to work alongside some fantastic businesses and charities. Some memorable moments this year have been the support of Rotary in Thornbury as one of their Charities of the Year, Bryant Associates Wealth Management hosting a casino night that raised over £4,000, Elite Fitness Thornbury team taking on the Tough Mudder raising £914, NRS Oldbury organising staff wellbeing events to raise over £4,000, and Phoenix Fun Events for their significant fundraising efforts in London donating a staggering £25,000.
Throughout the year, we’re incredibly lucky to receive donations that feel like little sprinklings of joy for the whole team. One that really stands out is the wonderful support from Oldbury Community Shop, who not only donated £750 earlier in the year but followed it up with an additional £500, taking their total generosity to £1,250. Messages like theirs remind us how much our community believes in JIGSAW Thornbury and the difference we’re making together.
JIGSAW is fortunate to be based at the St Mary Centre, where the team at Peer Group consistently support our events and partnerships. Working with our local ‘neighbours’ has been a real joy this year, from going on air at Thornbury Radio, using Thornbury Library for Fun Palaces, to building on our strong working relationship with Krunch at their summer events and Beech House Care Home in Thornbury; an evening Christmas performance with our young people and their residents was a true highlight.
Our wonderful volunteers
This year I’ve been inspired by our brilliant volunteers and trustees, both youth and adult, with a staggering 1,747 hours of volunteering for 2025. I couldn’t do my job without their passion and commitment, and I’m incredibly grateful to work alongside them. The Youth Volunteers have helped plan and run events like the Dog Show and Purple Party and our regular community cafes, gaining new skills along the way, while our adult volunteers have given endless time and support to make every event inclusive, successful and full of fun.
The impact of this work has been incredible to see. Children and young people have gained confidence, made friends, and enjoyed memorable experiences, while families have felt supported and included. Funds raised are already providing vital services, empowering and connecting young people and their families. I’m filled with gratitude for everyone’s time, energy, and generosity, and excited for what we can achieve together next year.
Looking ahead to 2026 – get involved!
I’m excited to build on everything we’ve learned this year with an even stronger line-up of community and fundraising events. Favourites like the Dog Show, Fun Palaces, and monthly Community Cafés will return, alongside new initiatives such as Partner with Purpose, a campaign supporting local businesses to raise funds while exploring inclusive workplaces, and Thrive in 30, a 30-day personal challenge to boost wellbeing and raise funds. Hattie (CEO), Mandie (Member Services Administrator), and I are taking part for the launch of Thrive in 30 by practicing our musical instruments daily. A final celebration performance at our Jolly JIGSAW Get Together on Saturday 24th January aimed at sharing our well being with others.
If you’ve been inspired by our volunteers, supporters, and the joy of our events, we’d love you to get involved in 2026 — whether volunteering, taking on a challenge, partnering with us, or donating. Every bit of support helps empower, include, and inspire children and young people with additional needs and their families. Together, we can make the year even more memorable and impactful.
To find out more about our fundraising initiatives and how you can support us, please visit our fundraising page: Fundraise for us | JIGSAW Thornbury.
Open and download a copy of our 2026 Community Events Calendar