Leo’s Play Centre on Malt Park, Newark, is supported by community fundraiser
A fundraiser has been launched to try to save one of the town’s favourite play centres.
Like many other businesses, Leo’s Play Centre on Malt Park, Newark, had to close its doors due to the coronavirus outbreak and — with no way of paying its rent — is close to calling it a day because savings are drying up.
“Recently in Newark another play centre had to close their doors so we can’t let Leo’s go too,” said Matthew Ash, a Newark community champion and fundraiser.
“We can’t have this happen in our town — we can’t have another business go bust.
“Leo’s have always been brilliant with my charity events, handing over free admissions and also offering to feed the homeless.
“Leo’s is a place for people to socialise, a place for lots of children to come along and play while parents chat away, with the knowledge that their children are safe playing. Maybe this was their only form of socialising.”
Since the lockdown, the play centre’s monthly rent — as well as other bills — has been paid from the owner’s savings, which have now depleted.
Matthew said unless the community did something now, there was a risk Leo’s would be no more, meaning families would have to travel outside of Newark to attend a play centre — making it even harder for those who don’t drive.
“This company is an integral part of the community — they do lots that they don’t shout about it,” he said.
“They are quite simply amazing.
“Even if every person in Newark just gave £1, that would see them through.”
To donate to help save Leo’s Play Centre, go to buff.ly/2Vb4hEm
A post on the centre’s Facebook page thanked Matthew for setting up the fundraising page.
It said: “We will be also doing everything we can to raise funds ourselves as we would hate to have to close our doors for good so if anyone would like to donate please follow the link, honestly, we appreciate your custom and help so much.
“Any fundraising ideas are always welcomed please share them.”