Ikea Group Donation Helps Lyric Exceed Fund Raising Target
Hammersmith theatre receives £30,000 from next door neighbour
Celebration at the Lyric Theatre Hammersmith after target reached
The Lyric Hammersmith Theatre managed to reach the target of its recent fundraising campaign thanks to a large donation by the Ikea group.
The theatre, which this year is celebrating its 125th birthday, launched the crowdfunding campaign last month to help reopen its doors, after the impact of the Covid-19 lockdown put its future at risk.
Rhe theatre relies heavily on ticket and bar sales, events and classes for income, the forced closure brought on by the pandemic reduced its income significantly.
The donation came from neighbouring business, Kings Mall Hammersmith, which was acquired by Ingka Centres, part of Ingka Group which owns Ikea, late last year. The mall is currently undergoing significant redevelopment, which will see it become an Ingka Centres ‘Meeting Place’ - a mixed-use destination bringing people together for a multitude of activities from shopping to eating, drinking and learning new skills.
Sian Alexander, Executive Director of the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, commented, “We are so grateful to Kings Mall for their incredibly generous donation to our community Crowdfunder campaign, which means we have already exceeded our original target of £50,000. The pandemic has had a devastating financial impact on the theatre and every penny raised will go to helping us reopen and return to what we do best – making world-class theatre, creating opportunities for young people and serving our community.
“We have been overwhelmed by the generosity and messages of support from our local community at our time of need who have given at every level from £2 to £2,500. Every donation, no matter how small, makes a huge difference, and as we enter a second lockdown, the support of our community continues to be essential.
Mario Barros, of Ingka Centres comments, “We’re delighted to be able to support the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre - and help the team there to continue their important work not only in offering world-class entertainment, but also supporting and providing opportunities for the people of Hammersmith.
“Through the redevelopment of the Kings Mall, we aim to breathe new life into the area and provide the community with a vibrant and exciting destination on their doorstep. The Lyric’s vision and values mirror our own, and we hope this donation will be the start of a long-term partnership that benefits the whole community.”
To find out other ways of supporting the Lyric Recovery Fund see this link.
November 6, 2020