WAGS Gang Show

Helping Others

Since our first show in 1972 WAGS have helped many local and national charities by raising money and awareness of the work that they do. The money has been raised in many creative ways over the years. The Cast raise it during the rehearsals with events such as:

  • Cake sales
  • Raffles
  • Dress up days
  • Guess the sweets in the jar

And many other ideas that they come up with from their patrols.

At the theatre the fundraising continues both backstage and front of house, with food sales for the cast and crew and donation buckets for the audience.

The charity for 2024 is Cameron Grant Memorial Trust.

Cameron Grant Memorial Trust was set up by Cameron’s family after he died by suicide aged just 21 in 2014. When Cameron died no-one knew he was ill yet he left a letter describing a seven year battle with symptoms of depression, a battle which he hid from the world. In Cameron’s name the Trust encourages all to speak up and ask for help: there is always someone you can talk to. The Trust does this by making Cameron’s Coasters, Wellbeing Postcards and other items with help information for those in mental distress. What they make is most often customised so that it has the help information most important for the community and setting where it is used. Cameron Grant Memorial Trust also supports innovation in mental health care through Cameron Grants. You can find out more about the Trust in this short YouTube video About Cameron Grant Memorial Trust and on the Trust website.

Cameron Grant Memorial Trust is based locally near Solihull and Cameron went to school in Coventry. What the Trust does is only possible through fundraising; they do not charge for what they make and they don’t have any other income. Cameron’s family and the Trust is so grateful that funds raised by WAGS will enable them to produce more Coasters and Wellbeing Postcards, and to support further innovation. They offer heartfelt thanks to all at WAGS, and to all who donate.

We are proud of our contribution to charities over the years. Many of the charities chosen have had personal links with cast members – where a family member, or school friend has needed their support.

The list below shows the range of charities and how much money has been raised to date…..

  • 2022 £3,777 Myton Hospice
  • 2020 £2633.00 Special Effect – The Gamers Charity
  • 2019 £2485 Shine A Light
  • 2018 £1844 Dogs for Good
  • 2017     4Gangshows (with Coventry, Kenilworth and Nuneaton Gangs)   £3,211 for Action for Children.
    £2,350 for Guy’s Gift (Support for bereaved children, young people and their families in Warwickshire)
  • 2016     £2,374 for JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation)
  • 2015     £3,419 for the Mat Davis Foundation2014 (June) WAGS perform at Royal Shakespeare Theatre in aid of Myton Hospice – £7369
  • 2014 Myton Hospice – £3,513
  • 2013 Myton Hospice – £3,057
  • 2012 Over the Wall – £2,093
  • 2011 Over the Wall – £3,252
  • 2010 Sands (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society) – £3,070
  • 2009 Sands (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society) – £2,484
  • 2008 Action for Children, John Waterhouse Centre – £2,250
  • 2007 NCH – £1,800
  • 2006 NCH – £1,958
  • 2005 Premature baby Unit at Warwick Hospital – £2,302
  • 2004 Joseph Foote, Rainbow of Hope (Birmingham Children’s Hospital) – £1,959
  • 2003 Joseph Foote, Rainbow of Hope (Birmingham Children’s Hospital) – £1,900
  • 2002 Acorns Children’s Hospice – £1,600
  • 2001 NCH Action for Children – £445
  • 2000 NCH Action for Children – £1,500
  • 1999 NCH Action for Children – £640

 

And in previous years
HEHOC – £730
Birmingham Children’s Hospital – £1,562
Graeae – £635
Warnac – £100
Save the Children Fund – £4,304
Ralph Reader Memorial Fund – £609

As well as many Scouting events around Warwickshire.

Total raised to date £71,224