Compton Care launch virtual quiz to to help fundraise amid coronavirus

Compton Care was due to hold its Tail Waggers Trail 5k dog walk this weekend and its annual Round the Wrekin Cycle Sportive in May.

But both events have had to be cancelled due to the pandemic – with staff turning to virtual ways of raising money and keeping people entertained.

It comes amid the charity announcing it had closed its network of 30 shops to protect volunteers and the public in line with Government guidance.

Natalie Wood, corporate and trusts partnerships manager, said: "Our quiz is a great way to keep people entertained but also keep donations coming in so that our vital services can stay open and we can continue to provide extraordinary care and support for our patients and their families living with complex and incurable illnesses.

"The quiz is just one of many ideas we have in the pipeline with the aim of helping people through this difficult time by boosting their morale and mental well-being and we recently launched our Virtual Challenge series where people can turn their hobby into a sponsored challenge to fund extraordinary care for our patients and families with all the details on our website, so watch this space for more virtual events coming soon, including a live DJ set and acoustic session."

Participants can take part for £3 for their general knowledge over three rounds of questions to try and claim the title of Ultimate Virtual Quiz Champion.

Video production company Stones Throw Media will host the event for free of charge, with the quiz live streamed on Facebook.

It will take place on third-party platform Kahoot – with people receiving a confirmation email when they sign up.

They will be given advice on how to join the 7.45pm quiz on Friday, with a link and a pin number handed out.

Bosses at the charity have urged people to take part – and donate – in order to keep Compton Care running.

A statement said: "Our shops generate over £1 million in income every year which goes directly towards funding care for our patients, however we are committed to putting the safety and well-being of our staff, volunteers and the public first.

"This is an uncertain time for Compton Care as a charity and we know that many of our supporters will also be facing worry in their own lives. We ask that the public continue, where possible, to keep Compton in your thoughts and consider making a donation at comptoncare.org.uk if you can so that we can continue our vital work.

"We kindly ask that donations of second-hand items are not left outside our shops during this time. We will gratefully receive these donations from you when it is safe for us to re-open our doors.

"Thank you all so much for shopping us, we hope to welcome you back very soon."

For more information about Compton virtual quiz and challenge visit comptoncare.org.uk or email fundraising@comptoncare.org.uk