There’s Nothing But Love to share as we proudly announce that James Fanzone, the official fan group for the band James, has raised an incredible £2,000 through their fan-based raffle for Action Foundation.
Last week, we ‘sat down’ with Liam Walker, founder of James Fanzone, to discuss their inspiring fundraising efforts. Liam was more than happy to Say Something about the motivations behind the fan group and the wonderful charitable work that he and the community continue to support.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what James Fanzone is?
I’m Liam and I’m from South Shields and I currently I work in education. I’m also a quiz master and run quiz nights that support local charities every month. I have a passion for music and love to attend lots of gigs throughout the year. My favourite band is a band called James.
James Fanzone is a Facebook group for fans of the band James to share and discuss all things James. We are also on Twitter/X, Instagram, Threads, Youtube and TikTok. where I share photos and videos.
How did you get involved in James Fanzone?
I first got involved in James Fanzone when I set it up in 2019 to be a place for James fans to chat and share their love for the band.
How did James Fanzone get involved in charity and fundraising?
James Fanzone first started fundraising in 2019 when James did a tour of the US & Canada. One of the band Andy Diagram rode around on a little red bike. This captivated fans and got quite a following. At the end of the tour, Andy asked us to raffle off the bike for an American bike charity. Ever since we have made an effort to host charity raffles for James tours, raffling off rare, signed memorabilia, setlists from the gigs and much more. Our charity raffles have continued to grow year on year.
Why did James Fanzone choose Action Foundation?
Action Foundation was chosen when James band members Saul Davies and Jim Glennie requested that James Fanzone support a charity that helps refugees.
After some research, I came across Action Foundation and knew immediately that this was the right charity. The work you do is just amazing, and we were keen to get involved.
Digital Fundraising Officer Laura (left) with Liam Walker at our Interaction Drop-in
In late summer, Liam visited Action Foundation to meet our team and see our services in action on a busy Thursday, witnessing our language classes and Drop-in first-hand. He described the experience as an eye-opener about what he and the fans were fundraising for.
How did the charity raffle go?
The raffle went extremely well. We beat our record and raised £4,000 meaning we could support two charities, giving £2,000 to each. We were thrilled that we could help multiple charities. Fans got behind the raffle straight away and were beyond generous.
Liam said some of the most popular items in this raffle were the signed band merchandise, including drumsticks and posters.
How has your community responded to your fundraising efforts so far?
The James Fanzone community are some of the most generous people you will ever meet. Everyone was more than happy to help and support Action Foundation and love everything that you do to help and support refugees.
What has been the most rewarding part of this journey for you?
During these extraordinary times that we live in we must stick together and help and support each other as there’s only one human race and everybody belongs here.
No matter who you are, where you are from, everyone deserve help and support. So knowing that the money will go to help others, knowing that this small act will go on to have a huge impact in the lives of others who may be in need of help or support, is the biggest reward anyone could ask for. And I know the James Fanzone members will agree.
How can others get involved or support your efforts?
Anyone is welcome to join James Fanzone and get involved. You can find us on lots of different social media platforms and we try to hold fundraisers a few times per year.
Finally I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the members of James Fanzone, Without them these raffles wouldn’t be the success that they are. And I’d also like to thank James themselves. The band are so incredibly supportive with these raffle draws from signing merch to donating items to be raffled and then taking time to talk to us about the raffles and doing the raffle draws themselves. So Tim, Jim, Saul, Mark, Andy, Dave, Adrian, Chloe and Debbie THANK YOU, without all of you, these raffles wouldn’t take place.
Digital Fundraising Officer Laura (left) with Communications Volunteer Rekar (centre) and Liam celebrating their fundraising efforts.
Anyone is welcome to join the Fanzone on Facebook and follow their social media accounts, linked below:
Facebook: James Fanzone | Facebook
X: @james_fanzone
Instagram: james.fanzone
YouTube: jamesfanzone
You can also stay up to date with everything James-related on their website: jamesfanzone.com
