There are lots of ways you, your school, society, club or company can help make the Pontoon Project a reality. Call Bill Proctor on 01235 815 943 or click here to email him for more information. In case you haven't already heard the fantastic news, on Thursday 29 November, we found out that we'd won a grant of £94,000, after the Pontoon Project received the highest number of votes in the ITV competition the night before. Back in the Autumn, Bill Proctor and the team put together an application for a grant from the People’s Millions. The People’s Millions is the partnership between the Big Lottery Fund and ITV and has been running since 2005. This year John Barker and Terry Jones spotted an opportunity for the Pontoon Project to win one of the sizeable grants. We were all very excited to make it on to the short list. A film crew came out to visit us at the sailing club and made a short promotional film of the members sailing and talking about why the lift will be so vital to them. The film was broadcast on Wednesday 28 November and the telephone number for voting was announced. A tense day passed while we waited for the results. The team and some of the members gathered together on a glorious but cold day by the reservoir to find out whether we had made it. After what seemed like ages, Mary Green from Thames Valley Tonight came out to greet us with the good news! As Bill said "We’re overwhelmed! This will make such a difference not just to the disabled sailors but also to everyone who uses the reservoir." Thank you for voting for us! This award means a huge amount to all of us and means that work can really move forward. Soon we'll be in a much better position to help many disabled sailors and more able bodied ones, to enjoy sailing at Farmoor. We're still raising money for the Pontoon Project, so here's how you can help. By Yourself Sponsorship Many of our supporters raise money by having fun on a sponsored event. Russ competed in the Three Peaks Yacht Race, sailing from Barmouth in Wales to Fort William in Scotland, stopping off to climb Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis en route! Debbie took part in the Great North Run, beating her personal timing and raising money for the project to boot. What’s more, BUPA very generously matched every pound she raised. If you have something you’d like to do as a sponsored activity, get in touch. Click here to download a PDF of a Sponsorship Form that you can use to help you raise money. Make a Donation Every penny we receive from you will go towards making the pontoon happen. However small or large, it will make a huge difference. Click here to download a Gift Aid Declaration form, that allows the charity to collect 28% of your donation from the government. Buy a Pontoon Plank Buying a plank is a unique way to give to the Project and ensure your name is known by all who walk on it. For only £200, you will ‘own’ a whole plank, which will be inscribed with your name; or you can buy one in someone else’s memory. A carol-singing group made up mainly of children from Cumnor, near Oxford, bought a plank in memory of one of their friends. With your School, Club or Society From raffles to races, concerts to collections there are plenty of things you can do to raise money in a group. Rhinestone Rhythm, a line dancing school in Abingdon, raised enough money to buy a plank. Children at Chandlings School held a non-uniform day, raising almost enough for two planks. Botley based Morris Dancers, Cry Havoc, have nominated the Pontoon Project as the charity they will support for 2007. With Your Company The Pontoon Project has benefited from the generosity of many local and national companies: Thames Water has supported the project from the start, providing the funds for the initial planning stages. Staff of the Oxford office of property consultants Savills supported the project during 2006. BUPA matched the amount raised by supporter Debbie when she undertook the Great North Run. The British Racing Driver's Association, the Swan Inn at Streatley, the East Hendred Vineyard and Dowlis Solutions Ltd have all donated raffle prizes. The facilities at the reservoir make it an ideal place to hold corporate events: Corporate Sail Days A great opportunity for team building or a treat for your favourite clients. From basic tuition to races, this exciting day is ideal for both novices and experienced sailors. Staff Events The Oxford office of property consultants Savills held their summer party at the Farmoor Reservoir. Staff enjoyed a barbecue and a raft race, with teams competing to construct a raft and get it round a course in the fastest time. However you would like to get involved, click here to tell us about your fundraising ideas and we'll do what we can to help. Thank you for your support.   David Jones, a helper, says "The Pontoon will give our sailors a little bit more dignity, having the boats at a decent level so they can get in and out of them."   Sign up to Gone Sailing, our free, bi-monthly, e-mail newsletter that brings you all the latest news and fundraising ideas.