A calendar of success

 
Firstly mistaken for the infamous Banksy, Pontefract based artist, Rachel List, has made a huge impression on the Five Towns community. Her stunning murals are hard to miss and have popped up at locations all over town. Rachel's art visualises the feelings around the Coronavirus pandemic, depicting grief, hope and pride of our NHS and key workers.
 
During the height of the pandemic, funding shortfalls were inevitable for The Prince of Wales Hospice who like many charities across the UK were forced to cancel their calendar of fundraising events and close their shops. The Pontefract Civic Society were keen to support their local Hospice through this difficult time and approached Rachel to collaborate with them on a 2021 calendar to raise vital funds.
 
The calendar includes the iconic artwork of Rachel which she created throughout the pandemic and 1,000 copies were produced for exclusive sale across various venues in Pontefract. To date the calendars have raised an incredible £4,149 with more funds expected.

Talking about the success of the calendars, Phil Cook, Pontefract Civic Society’s Vice Chair said; ‘Pontefract Civic Society have been delighted to coordinate this project bringing together both charities and local businesses to help raise much needed funds for a very worthy cause. We look forward to working on the 2022 calendar together and other projects throughout the year. For me as Vice Chair and coordinator of our Citizenship group this is everything that our society is about.’

Rebecca Taylor, Community and Partnerships Fundraiser at the Hospice added;
“It has been a delight to have the support of The Pontefract Civic Society, they were a shining light to the Hospice during the pandemic. We are so thankful for their support and for all of their efforts in producing such a quality calendar complete with Rachel List’s iconic artwork. We are also thankful for the incredible support of the local businesses who have stocked the 2021 calendar and to those in the community who purchased one too. The support shown from our community as a whole has been invaluable. Looking ahead, the Pontefract Civic Society and The Prince of Wales Hospice are both excited to continue their partnership together.’