MEET THE TEAM!
Reading Family Aid goes back a long way...
The original idea came from a group of people helping young mothers at Katesgrove House in Reading in the 1970s and 1980s. Click here to learn more about our early days. We became a registered charity in 1993.
RFA is staffed entirely by volunteers and run by a small committee. We don't employ any staff or maintain any premises, so we're able to keep our overheads to a minimum. We spend all the money that we raise on our programme of activities for the children and families we support.
RFA is staffed entirely by volunteers and run by a small committee. We don't employ any staff or maintain any premises, so we're able to keep our overheads to a minimum. We spend all the money that we raise on our programme of activities for the children and families we support.
the rfa management committee
wendy howell, chairI volunteered as a helper with RFA about 10 years ago when I first arrived in Reading. I was very impressed with the work that was going on. Over the years I had more time to spare and eventually joined the committee. I've seen the number of recipients grow, which is sad, but the enthusiasm of the committee (and some have been members for many years) and the people who return each year to volunteer spurs me on. I love looking for a bargain so that our resources can go further, and I'm an enthusiastic fund-raiser, helping to boost our finances. Feel that way too? Why not come and help!
ruth perkins, vICE-CHAIRI have lived in Reading since 1976. I worked in IT until my retirement in 2008. I have been involved with RFA since Christmas 2001 when I volunteered to drive a van for a day for the Toy Project. I was so amazed by what the group did, I joined the committee in 2002 and quickly became Minute Secretary, followed by Secretary in 2005. In 2012 I also took on the role of Treasurer. During this time I was also involved in CADRA - the Caversham and District Residents' Association - and also with Mapledurham Golf Club, being Ladies Captain in 2010.
JO SKIDMORE, SECRETARY
I was born in Reading and have lived here ever since. I was looking for an opportunity to get involved with a charity that specifically benefits my local community. Reading is often portrayed as an affluent town and it is sadly quite easy for people to ignore the pockets of deprivation that exist. I was immediately drawn to how Reading Family Aid raises awareness of the issue by doing something very positive. My career has covered all sectors, and I currently work for a national disability charity primarily involved in Governance but also touching on fundraising, finance and event organisation. |
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sallie wallI first got involved with RFA when I retired in 2002, though I had done a little work with the group many years ago as a driver at Katesgrove House. I think what attracted me to RFA was the fact that it was a small, local charity and there were no ‘middle men’ so everything goes directly to the families. I had worked in the NHS all of my working life as well as bringing up a family. Retirement is busy and I am involved with various other organisations. I help with a ‘Messy Play’ group for young mums and am also a volunteer with an organisation which goes into two local prisons to support prisoners. I enjoy being able to connect with different groups and hope that what we do may allow some people to have experiences that they otherwise may not have.
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Sallie with Reading Mayor 2012, Cllr Jenny Ryan
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committee membersDavid Berry, Treasurer
Jill Barker Vera Box Roz Heinze May Smith Valerie Sansom Lorraine Bellinger Paul Cooper Michele Pattison |
David Berry, Treasurer
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Sreeni and Harini Pathapati as Toy Project Managers
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