St Thomas' Church in Rhyl has launched a fundraising appeal to secure its future.
The appeal, called 'A Tenner for St Thomas,' is being put forward as a part of the church's ambitious effort to raise £25,000 by the end of 2025.
This initiative is launching at the church's spring fair on April 5.
The appeal is not just limited to the residents of Rhyl, but extends to people from all walks of life who have a connection with the church, be it through baptism, marriage, funerals or merely fondness for the place of worship.
The aim is for people in the community to donate £10, and in return, they will become a part of a 'Friends' group, which will help the church grow and develop.
The church believes that if 10 per cent of Rhyl's 25,000 residents were to make this contribution, it would significantly help them achieve their fundraising target.
The campaign is already off to a promising start, with two long-term supporters pledging £2,500 each.
Reverend Helen Gheorghiu Gould said: "St Thomas is such an iconic church and landmark that can be seen from the top to the bottom of the Vale of Clwyd.
"It carries so many memories for people.
"Our schoolchildren love visiting, and it is home to many civic events for Rhyl and Denbighshire.
"I gather it is even used as a landmark for shipping."
The 'A Tenner for St Thomas' initiative is not just about financial contributions, but also the establishment of a strong and diverse group of friends from the local community, comprising individuals and businesses.
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Reverend Gould added: "You don't have to be a regular churchgoer to be a 'Friend of St Thomas'.
"We know that many people in the community treasure the building and its role in the heritage of Rhyl.
"This is not just about raising money, but about making friends who can contribute to the life and future of this special place."
In addition to individual contributions, the church is inviting community organisations to join as community friends for a cost of £25.
They are also reaching out to local businesses to support them with a donation of £100 in a parallel campaign, 'A Ton for St Thomas'.
St Thomas' has also received government funding via Denbighshire County Council and Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council in 2024, which has helped with finances, volunteer training, and the establishment of a cashless giving system.
The church is asking donors to visit its website or Facebook page, or the church itself, to donate A Tenner for St Thomas through cashless giving terminals.
While contributing to the appeal, donors can sign up as a friend by providing their contact details.
Friends will receive updates and special event invitations from St Thomas'.
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