Finance appeal - £30,873.44!

Once again the finance collection at the Socialism Rally was a highlight of the weekend. A magnificent £30,873.44 was donated which was even more than the collection last year.

Jackie Grunsell, recently elected Save Our NHS councillor in Huddersfield urged everyone to donate to the collection. She described the dread that many families feel in the run-up to Christmas trying to provide the 'idealised Christmas.'

We were reminded of the working class families who had been saving for Christmas with Farepak and had lost all their money. Compare this to the millions being paid out in City bonuses. "For big business it's Christmas every day as they buy up our private services."

Socialist Party members have given a lead on the NHS battles at Whipps Cross, Huddersfield and other areas - compare this to the ineptitude of the trade union leaders.

Those at the rally showed their determination to support the Socialist Party in its current campaigns and to build a socialist future by their response to the finance appeal. One UNISON member donated £500 and a young member sent a note with his donation of £10: "Been unemployed for five months and have not got my first wage yet!"

Another member donated £10,000, having recently inherited some money. A Hackney member donated half their winter fuel allowance (£100). One of our members brought along £50 for the collection - his retired next door neighbour had popped it through his letterbox, as she could not make the rally.

Branches had also clubbed together - Camden members donated £1,000, Huddersfield £2,812, Stevenage £1,690 and Brighton £1,005. Unfortunately, there is not enough room to print all the branch or individual donations but every amount, however small is greatly appreciated.

This year's appeal is not only going to our fighting fund but also to help with our international work and to start a print fund for new equipment. Those who attended the weekend of Socialism participated in discussions and debates about fighting cuts in the NHS, getting rid of tuition fees, international struggles, socialism in today's world and the need for a new workers' party.

We always explain that we need more people to join us and get involved in the Socialist Party but finances are also crucial to sustain our party and to ensure we have the resources to continue our campaigning work. Many thanks to all those who donated - every penny will be accounted for and will go towards the struggle for socialism.