15 years of stories: Joker Squad – a fundraising force that always brings the FUN!

“Most of us are parents and recognise that there are many families that need support through very difficult times, sadly some of the worst imaginable. We take tremendous pride in the job we do, we want to look the part and so invest heavily into every kit we wear and when in kit, we work hard to have fun with everyone, celebrate our lifelong love of all things Star Wars, and raise money for this special charity.”

– Dan Cramphorn, Co-Founder of Joker Squad

As we mark our charity’s 15th birthday, throughout this year we want to celebrate all the incredible people that have made it possible to reach this milestone. We share our journey with countless people have helped take our charity from a vision for a much-needed children’s hospice service to a reality.

Throughout 2022 we will be sharing many of these stories. You can also read more or add your own story in our special 15th Birthday Book

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Putting the FUN in fundraising

Since 2013, Joker Squad has made it their mission to raise as much money as possible for our charity through their love of Star Wars. Initially there were four members and today the charity costume group exceeds 100 members based all around the UK.

Dan Cramphon, is Co-Founder of Joker Squad and shared their highlights from the past nine years:

“When we first spoke to Alexander Devine Fundraiser, Susie Knowles, in March 2013, everyone thought adults dressed as Star Wars characters was a bit strange and how could it possibly raise money for Alexander Devine?

 

Our first appearance for the charity was in July 2013 at the Rockstar Heroes Walk and then we had the pleasure of attending our first of many Alexander Devine Family Christmas party later that year.

 

Things grew from there and we have had the pleasure of working alongside the Alexander Devine team at so many fundraising and family events, as well as representing the charity at other events including Film & Comicbook conventions across the country. All the time, having photographs taken with us and donations made by members of the public.

 

Fast forward to 2022 and we are so proud of the amount of money we have been able to raise so far Alexander Devine. To date the figure stands at more than £11,000.

 

Our team of volunteers are motivated by three things; Fun, Charity and Star Wars. Most of us are parents and recognise that there are many families that need support through very difficult times, sadly some of the worst imaginable. We take tremendous pride in the job we do, we want to look the part and so invest heavily into every kit we wear and when in kit, we work hard to have fun with everyone, celebrate our lifelong love of all things Star Wars, and raise money for charity.

 

We have so many happy memories of working alongside, and on behalf of the Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service. As we learn how to live with COVID, and more events and opportunities fall our way, we hope that we will be able to do even more throughout 2022 and into our own 10th Anniversary in 2023.”