At the 2008 ETC/ABTT Christmas party, held at Theatre Royal Drury Lane on 15 December 15, Light Relief Trustee John Simpson accepted a cheque for £5,000 from ETC's general manager, Matthew Brookfield - part of a £12,500 commitment made this time last year. Thanking ETC for its continuing generous support, Simpson, who is also chairman of White Light, said: "There is no doubt that the economic downturn will affect our industry, magnifying the problems that can be triggered by illness or injury. While Light Relief's funds cannot be used as unemployment benefit, I am sure that the calls on our resources will increase in 2009."
For ETC, Matthew Brookfield said: "We are aware that donations to charities always decrease in economic downturns, yet this is the time when the money is needed most. Last year ETC committed to giving Light Relief £2,500 a year for five years. We felt that 2009 would be particularly difficult, so decided to bring forward next year's tranche."
(Jim Evans)
