As the organising charity for Cowley Road Carnival, we appreciate Mick Heavey’s remarks about how the carnival is financed (Carnival should not rely on public money, Oxford Mail, March 14).

It is certainly the case that public money is drying up for a host of services and events, and the carnival is no exception.

This doesn’t diminish the passion for the carnival that we feel from every aspect of the community, from local charities and outtreach groups, to traders and the city as a whole.

If the carnival didn’t happen, the impact on East Oxford would be felt far beyond the traders who do so well each year.

The community would lose its biggest gathering, the one event that brings everyone together to enjoy a day of music, fun and family-friendly activities.

It is the only chance many people get to make contact with the many community groups and charities that operate in the area.

And, as well as a vibrant, multicultural experience, it is one of the biggest showcases for creativity from schools and youth groups in Oxford.

Beyond financial gain, the carnival brings benefits to the community that are impossible to put a price on. Its loss would be keenly felt throughout the city.

It is essential for us to raise funds through ways other than public funding to be able to provide it free to the public.

We are, therefore, asking individuals as well as businesses to support us, whether they are employers, traders or have some stake in the East Oxford community. And yes, we are targeting those who benefit the most, such as the Cowley Road traders.

We appeal to anyone who can donate funds to the carnival to please come forward to do so. You can now donate online at cowleyroadcarnival.co.uk, or by post to Cowley Road Works, c/o Pegasus, Magdalen Road, Oxford OX4 1RE. Cheques should be made payable to “Cowley Road Works”.

John Hole, Chairman, Cowley Road Works, Oxford