Fireworks fundraising to benefit the community of Keyham
UPDATE 18th AUGUST 3:20PM: The original news post stated that “five green heart-shaped fireworks” would be set off at 9:15pm each night. However, this was a mistake and we have since been informed that the fireworks will not in fact be green in colour. We have updated our news post accordingly.
We are pleased to announce that all proceeds from our fundraising at this week’s British Firework Championships will be used to support the community of Keyham, Plymouth, following last Thursday’s tragic shooting of Maxine Davison, Sophie and Lee Martyn, Katie Shepherd, and Stephen Washington.
All money raised as part of our involvement with the two-night event (including programme sales and other donations) will be used for specific services aimed at supporting the mental health of those who live or work in the Keyham area, including friends and families of those lost in the tragedy. We will seek to work closely with Plymouth City Council and Keyham Neighbourhood Watch to ensure that we’re identifying and providing the most useful services we can for those affected.
Andre Pusey, Devon Mind’s Marketing & Fundraising Manager, commented: “We are delighted to be able to confirm that all money raised for Devon Mind at this year’s Firework Championships will be directed to help those within the Keyham community affected by last week’s tragedy. We know that the people of Plymouth and beyond in attendance will give generously so that we can be there for those who need help with their mental health in the coming weeks and months.”
Devon Mind will be present at both nights of the Firework Championships (Wednesday 18th and Thursday 19th August 2021), selling copies of the event’s official programme in exchange for donations. Earlier this week, PCC announced that the displays would be dedicated to the victims of the shooting, with five heart-shaped fireworks to be set off at 9:15pm each night. These will be preceded by a minute’s silence and followed by a minute-long round of applause for the victims.
Nick Kelly, Leader of the Council, stated about the decision: “We have thought long and hard about whether the event should go ahead or not, but after listening to many people’s views we’ve decided to dedicate these two nights to the victims. We’ve also spoken to members of the community in Keyham to get their views. We know the Firework Championships are something children, in particular, love. It is an event that brings joys to thousands and it brings Plymouth Together.”