Councillors have praised the “fantastic” way the community has pulled together to create a new youth club.
Funky Friendz will launch in Aberford Hall, in Brook Road, Borehamwood, in September for children aged seven to 12.
But the club needs to raise £4,000 to get the project off the ground – and the Borehamwood Times has pledged to help them meet that goal.
Mayor of Elstree and Borehawmood Town Council, Councillor Pat Strack, said: “I am really pleased the Times has decided to launch a campaign.
“The town council is really just the catalyst to tell them what they needed to do, such as apply for public liability insurance.
“They are doing so well on their own they don’t need councillors’ help I suppose but we’re happy to do what we can.”
The club was launched by Kelly Kent and Michelle Jonas.
Cllr Strack added: “They are a very dynamic group. They are go-getters. I think it’s important to provide opportunities for children to have a lot of different experiences.”
The money is needed to pay for Ofsted registration, CRB checks, insurance costs, staff training and hall hire for the next year.
Town council leader Cllr Sandra Parnell said: “The whole community has pulled together and that’s fantastic. It’s been a very big effort from anyone.
“And the paper actually saying they’re going to collect money for them is extraordinary. It’s gone from strength to strength.”
It will cost £2 per week for each child to attend the club, and the mothers hope the heavily subsided rates will mean nobody is left out.
The Funky Friendz committee hope to hold free activities during the half term period, such as camping, which would be free to avoid excluding children who come from disadvantaged families.
Town and borough councillor Richard Butler, who is Labour’s parliamentary candidate, said: “I think it’s a fantastic project, it’s about time we’ve got people coming out there in Borehamwood saying we want things for youth.
“Having a new project and a new group means there’s another way people can get involved.
“If there’s anything we can do as local councillors to help them succeed and go forward then we will do it.”
To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/funkyfriendz
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