We are delighted to reveal that the 2020 ‘Virtual’ Dragon Sale raised an incredible £43,300, enabling us to continue our valuable support of a number of inspirational local, national and international charities.
The global pandemic hit charities particularly hard, with vital fundraising events cancelled overnight. Determined to find a different way to support the numerous charitable partners that benefit from the annual Dragon Sale, the ever-ambitious and ingenious Sale Committee and Trustees conceived a virtual event in its place. What began as an idea to sell Dragon Mugs online, evolved into a thriving e-market featuring many of the Sale’s most popular stalls, including Dragon honey, wreaths and the popular branded clothing. The showstopper was undoubtedly Author’s Corner, offering exclusive signed copies of David Attenborough’s highly anticipated new biography ‘A Life on Our Planet’ secured by the organiser, Clare Litt.
Proceeds from this year’s Sale will support a range of charities voted for, or nominated by, the children. Last year, money raised helped fund incredible projects in the midst of the pandemic; SOFEA, an Oxford-based community larder, worked to feed the most vulnerable; Magic Breakfast partnered with schools for its emergency fundraising appeal ‘Keeping Breakfast Going’; Mary’s Meals found new ways to provide nutritious meals to children in their communities across the globe; and Cricket Builds Hope harnessed the power of sport as a tool for positive social change in Rwanda.
The Dragon Sale is a unique occasion for fun and philanthropic endeavour by children and adults alike, who work together tirelessly to plan, create and manage over 70 stalls across the school site. A huge undertaking that unites the entire Dragon community, the Sale’s legacy is deep and long-lasting. Since it began in 1944 it has helped raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for charities, providing a lifeline for children and families in need. A huge thank you to all the organisers and supporters of the 2020 Sale. We have everything crossed that the 2021 Sale will return in physical form, one way or another. Watch this space!
For further information on the Dragon Sale, please visit www.dragonsale.org