A charity for people with learning disabilities is delighted as the Times Series’ Give us Some Juice campaign receives £635 in donations.

Money has been rolling in since we launched the campaign last Wednesday to help Barnet Mencap’s Drink it Juice Bar raise £5,000 to avoid closure at the end of the year.

The bar at Finchley Youth Theatre in High Road, East Finchley is run by people with learning disabilities who learn how to make and sell healthy shakes, as well as gain qualifications in customer services, health and safety and first aid.

Laura Davitt, project coordinator said: “I didn’t think we would be able to raise that amount of money so quickly. It’s great that people in the community are willing to support the juice bar and give money.

“It’s given everyone at Barnet Mencap a big confident boost that the juice bar is a cause worth fighting for. It’s a great feeling. There’s a lot of talk about it and everyone is really excited.”

The juice bar is open on Saturdays and will be selling shakes from 11.30am-2.30pm tomorrow.

Ms Davitt added: “I think people should come along because it’s offering something fresh, very healthy and it’s exciting to get involved in the community and a great project.”

Barnet Mencap received a corporate grant from Barnet Council to set up the juice bar last July, but the funding ran out in December. Since then Barnet Mencap has been running the juice bar from the income it generates.

For more information about Barnet Mencap visit www.barnetmencap.org.uk or to make a donation to the Give us Some Juice campaign go to www.justgiving.com/drinkitjuicebar

If anyone has any fundraising ideas please email Natalie O’Neill noneill@london.newsquest.co.uk