Mayor to present charity appeal funds to two local good causes

The outgoing Mayor of Telford and Wrekin, Councillor Eileen Callear, will present cheques to her chosen charities following a successful year of fundraising at the Council’s Annual General Meeting today, 21 May.

As Mayor of the Borough of Telford and Wrekin during 2025 / 2026, Councillor Callear chose to support Parents Opening Doors (PODs) and Hillbrae Rescue Kennels as her official Mayor’s charities, raising funds to help both organisations continue their important work supporting families and animal welfare.

Parents Opening Doors (PODs) supports parents and carers of children and young people with additional needs, offering advice, activities and peer support across the borough. Hillbrae Dogs Home provides rescue, care and rehoming services for dogs, working closely with local authorities and communities to give animals a second chance.

Councillor Eileen Callear, who will be handing over the Mayoral Chains of Office at Telford & Wrekin Council’s Annual General Meeting on Thursday 21 May, said: “It has been an absolute honour to represent the people of Telford and Wrekin as Mayor over the past year. Supporting Parents Opening Doors and Hillbrae Dogs Home has been incredibly rewarding, as both organisations do such meaningful and compassionate work within our community.

“One of my favourite fundraising moments was doing a sponsored tandem skydive earlier this month. I was particularly nervous jumping out of a plane at 12,000 feet but loved every minute of it after that and am very grateful to everyone who sponsored me.

“I would also like to thank everyone who has supported the Mayor’s Charity Appeal throughout my term. The generosity shown will make a real difference and I am proud to present these cheques for £3,250 to each charity as my mayoral year comes to a close.”

Matt Downes-Ward, from Parents Opening Doors (PODs) said: “We are extremely grateful to have been chosen as one of the Mayor’s charities this year. The funds raised will help us continue to involve and support SEND families throughout Telford and Wrekin. With the current SEND reforms on the horizon, ensuring our families' voices are heard, and providing the reassurance and practical guidance they need, remains so important. We would like to sincerely thank Councillor Callear and everyone who donated.” 

The cheques will be presented at Telford & Wrekin Council’s Annual General Meeting on Thursday 21 May, which will also mark the end of Councillor Callear’s term as Mayor and see the election of her successor.

The meeting begins at 6pm, is open to the public and will also be live streamed online.