Swing when you’re fundraising

Fri, Jan 6th 2006, 11:00

A swinging American style high school prom night, organised by award winning home builder Redrow, raised £7,000 for two very worthy charities.

The two organisations will split the proceeds from the fundraising night equally. The first is The Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology - one of the largest cancer centres in the UK, running clinics in the general hospitals of Merseyside, Cheshire and the Isle of Man.

The second charity, Save the Family, is based in Chester and provides emergency accommodation and vital services for families with children, couples and single people in need of support throughout Chester, North Wales and Merseyside.

The ‘prom night’, held at Hawarden High School, was organised by a committee of volunteers from Redrow’s nearby St David’s Park headquarters and was supported by staff, suppliers and sub-contractors.

Money was raised through tickets sales, a raffle, charity auction and the sale of a commemorative year book and professional photographs taken at the event, with Redrow itself making a sizeable donation to boost the total to £7,000.

Save the Family’s Edna Speed says: “Redrow has been very supportive of us both, practically and financially. I would like especially to thank Paul Pedley, Redrow’s deputy chairman, who has been terrific in his efforts on behalf of our charity.

“This latest money will benefit directly our homeless children and young people. We are building a community hall for these children to enjoy games equipment and take part in drama, music and art activities. By using the funding this way people can see for themselves the massive difference it will make.”

Patricia Rogers, director of fundraising at Clatterbridge Cancer Campaign says: “Redrow’s support for Clatterbridge is fantastic. We rely on the generosity of individuals and companies for much of our work – and for the second year running this is a tremendous effort. It was also a lovely evening, and I congratulate all those who put so much into organising it – and to all those who worked to raise funds before and during the evening.

“We shall use the money to support the 25th Anniversary Appeal of the J K Douglas Laboratories at Clatterbridge, where some really exciting research is taking place. The Laboratories are a most important part of Britain’s battle to overcome cancer, and the Anniversary Appeal to mark their 25 years at Clatterbridge aims to bring in £250,000 to provide the latest equipment to advance their research. Redrow’s staff and the company itself have made a significant contribution towards this project”

Redrow regularly fundraises for worthwhile causes and this year retained its Business in the Community PerCent standard for the third consecutive year, an accolade which only goes to those UK companies that give 1% or more of their annual pre-tax profits to the community by way of donations, gifts in kind and staff volunteering.