Bridging the Gap Newsletter January 2022 teessidecharity.org.uk
1
Chairman’s column
Moving on up! We have been excited to announce some big changes recently – with a new name and new brand!
The new name positions the charity as the definitive local charity.”
After 10 hugely successful years of fundraising, with more than £4m donated to those in need on Teesside, we decided to change our name.
business names who will continue to drive us forward and help us to continue to change Teesside lives for the better.
Welcome to The Teesside Charity – certainly much easier to say than Middlesbrough and Teesside Philanthropic Foundation, but retaining the same values as the day the charity was set up by our founders Andy Preston and Tanya Garland back in 2011.
Better, who are also now Patrons of our charity, worked with our trustees and staff over several months to develop and create a new name, look and feel as we look forward to the future.
We coupled this new name with new branding courtesy of Middlesbrough’s Better brand agency and a new yet familiar logo. The new branding has since gone down a storm with our supporters and we remain backed by a who’s who of local
Trustee Karl Pemberton, of our Patrons Active Chartered Financial Planners, said: “We are grateful to Mark Easby and the team at Better, especially John, Charlotte and James who spent time understanding what our charity stood for and how we wanted to be known moving forward. “We’re delighted with what has been created, which we feel better reflects where the charity is today as we look back on 10 years of impact and fundraising and forward towards a new era as a powerful force for good on Teesside.” Mark Easby, Better’s managing director, said: “We’re very proud to offer our support to The Teesside Charity, reaffirming our commitment to the communities closest to us. “As Patrons, it also cements our longterm partnership with an organisation that works hand in hand with some of the region’s biggest players – all united to use business as a force for good.”
Staff Sheila, , Diane, Mandy and Jenny join Chair of Trustees Lee Bramley to display The Teesside Charity logo at our 10th Anniversary Ball.
2
Bridging the Gap
Mark added: “The new name positions the charity as the definitive local charity.”
In the news ….
New name, same ethos With another difficult year under our belts, I’m thrilled that The Teesside Charity continues to go from strength to strength, remaining a hugely powerful force for good on Teesside and playing a key role in supporting so many amazing charities, community groups and families.
Up to 100 people regularly use The Shack and 300 are members of their on-site grocery shop which is run in partnership with The Message Trust. The shop supports and helps local people save money on their weekly food shop, while also helping to reduce food waste.
Things finally seem to be happening for our region, and everyone involved with our fundraising work has a sense of excitement for the future.
So, while our values and principles remain the same, Middlesbrough and Teesside Philanthropic Foundation is now known as The Teesside Charity – cementing our role as the number one fundraising force in our region. I hope you agree that it’s a great choice of name. On behalf of the Trustees, I would like to thank local brand agency Better for their guidance and input. As we move into 2022, we still have to live with the shadow of Covid, but like all Teessiders, we are determined, resilient and forward thinking. The pandemic will not change our plans to help as many good causes as we remain committed to supporting a wide cross-section of local worthy causes, with every penny raised staying right here on Teesside. Of course, we can only help these causes with the help and support of the many people and companies who continue to raise funds for us, both personally and as part of their businesses.
Angela Watson of our Patrons Bulkhaul was pleased to present a donation of £4,000 to Barbara Bainbridge, fundraiser, safeguarding co-ordinator and volunteer of The Shack community project in Eaglescliffe. The Shack works with families, teenagers, young adults and the elderly. Their Tuesday lunch and Friday breakfast clubs offer a safe place to socialise which motivates people to get up and get out of the house and form new friendships, while they also offer a space for people to pop in and have a cuppa.
As we enter our 11th year, we are excited by the sense of optimism on Teesside, given the level of investment alongside new and existing developments.
To harness this enthusiasm, we decided that it was time to enter our second decade with a new name, new logo and new branding.
Exciting new plans for The Shack
Together we will continue to make a difference. So, on behalf of myself and the other Trustees of The Teesside Charity - a huge thank you!
Our donation will cover labour costs and the purchase of tables and chairs for an extension to this vital project which will offer an outdoor café area. This will enable even more people to feel included and to access the facilities they provide. Angela Watson (second right) of Patrons Bulkhaul, meets Barbara Bainbridge and volunteers at The Shack.
I’d also like to welcome a new Trustee into the fold. Many of you will know Bill Scott OBE, the CEO of the Wilton Group. He has been a loyal supporter of the charity for many years, as well as being a personal patron. Given the numerous demands on his time, I’m delighted that he has accepted our invitation to become a Trustee and look forward to working with him in the future. I’m looking forward to meeting as many of you as I can this year. Remember, there is strength in numbers. Together we will continue to make a difference.
Lee Bramley Chair of Trustees
Editor: Julie Burniston, Resolution Media and Publishing Photography: Doug Moody, Chris Booth, Tom Banks, Sharone Robinson. Print: Quoin, Middlesbrough Design: KINSHIP teessidecharity.org.uk Teesside Charity info@teessidecharity.org.uk
teessidecharity.org.uk
3
Harriet Spalding of Patrons Mandale Homes visit the Teesside Samaritans.
The Teesside Charity:
2021
A Year in Review
Thanks to your wonderful support, our charity donated more than £300,000 to dozens of worthy organisations in 2021. Here is a breakdown of where your money was spent – and how!
Thanks to your generosity we were able to make donations to four mental health charities during 2021.” Joanne Regan of our Patrons Azets (fifth from left) meets organiser Sharon (fourth left) and some of the team and local people who enjoy the My Time Social Hub in Hartlepool.
The donation was handed over to branch manager Jane Smith by Harriet Spalding of our generous Patrons Mandale Homes – and its importance was stressed when Jane revealed it would help the charity “stay afloat”.
Distribution of donation by category
It was a difficult year for the Teesside branch of the Samaritans and the donation was used to ensure that they carried on doing their vital work as they looked towards the future. We were also thrilled when the organisation scooped £2,500 in our winter Golden Giveaway (see page 12).
Relief of Need 44% Health & Wellbeing 10% Human Rights & 5% Community Cohesion Caravans 10% Sports Clubs & 7% Sporting Activities Clubs & Activity Groups 14% Environmental 10%
Total Donations
£337, 002 4
Bridging the Gap
4.Human Rights and Community Cohesion
Ian Stark (left) with Joe Dunne of Middlesbrough Environment City.
1.Environment Example: The Food Hub One of the biggest donations ever made by our charity - £30,000 - was presented by trustee Ian Stark to the Food Hub run by Middlesbrough Environment City and FareShare NE. The Food Hub is a sustainable food redistribution centre which will increase access to affordable, healthy food to struggling families across the Tees Vally. It enables the daily delivery of a wide range of ambient, fresh, chilled and frozen food to a myriad of projects and initiatives providing low-cost and free
food, including Eco Shops, community cafes, soup kitchens, breakfast clubs and holiday hunger programmes such as Feast of Fun. Thanks to a further £20,000 donation from the MFC Foundation, it is hoped the Food Hub will eventually feature a space for healthy and sustainable cooking classes and a community café. A temporary home for the Hub has been provided by our Patrons PD Ports, but it’s fantastic news to discover that a new, permanent home has been found
in central Middlesbrough. FareShare NE utilises high-quality surplus food that would otherwise go to landfill, redistributing it across the NorthEast including 45 organisations in Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland, Stockton, Billingham and Hartlepool plus 18 more in the Darlington area – fantastic news for the environment as well as those most in need in our region.
2.Clubs and Activity Groups Example: My Time Social Hub, Hartlepool Places for residents to meet, talk and make friends are vital at a time when many are suffering from isolation brought on by the pandemic, so our charity does all it can to support these vital hubs. My Time Social Hub in Hartlepool was the latest recipient of a
£3,000 donation from our charity. The Hub provides a myriad of events and sessions for the residents of Hartlepool, from a ladies’ woodworking group to craft sessions, but more than that, it provides a place to meet others, make friends, have a chat and prevent loneliness and isolation. Joanne Regan of our Patrons Azets visited the Hub to meet organiser Sharon and some of the community who were enjoying the space.
Example: The Moses Project
The Moses Project enjoy some festive cheer!
3.Health and Wellbeing Example: Teesside Samaritans Thanks to your generosity we were able to make donations to four mental health charities during 2021, including £1,000 to Teesside Samaritans – helping them support local people who are struggling to cope and would benefit from a chat.
Offering those with addiction a community group of their own is a wonderful way of giving help and support. The Stockton-based Moses Project is one such example. This wonderful organisation offers guidance, mentoring and support to adult males with past and current addictions to drugs and alcohol. The Teesside Charity gave Moses Project a £1,500 donation to allow them to create food hampers for
teessidecharity.org.uk
5
2021
A Year in Review Chris Nolan from our Patrons Erimus Insurance Brokers, meets the children from TAG.
Tim Payne from our Patrons Charles Clinkard meets Billingham Foodbank manager, Helen.
With 60 available dates in each caravan, 180 families can enjoy a break away.” the men who use their service. These were distributed in December in lieu of an on-site Christmas lunch which was sadly curtailed by Covid restrictions. Each of the Moses Project’s hampers contained produce for each person to create a Christmas dinner, plus food to see them over the holiday period.
One of our wonderful caravans.
7. Relief of Need
5.Sports Clubs (and individual sports persons)
Example: Billingham Foodbank Billingham Foodbank manager Helen spoke of her joy when Tim Payne from our Patrons Charles Clinkard paid a visit to donate £1,000 on behalf of our charity. A further £3,000 also went to Hartlepool, Middlesbrough and Redcar foodbanks, while Billingham Foodbank had been the grateful recipients of a further £1,350 earlier in the year.
Example: Teesside Academy of Gymnastics (TAG) Teesside Academy of Gymnastics (TAG) is a voluntary run organisation which provides a wonderful club for children from Middlesbrough, Stockton, Yarm, Redcar and Richmond, so when we discovered they were looking to expand into their own facility to be able to offer more classes to more children and give their squad more time in the gym to train, we were pleased to donate £5,000 towards their project. Chris Nolan of our Patrons Erimus Insurance Brokers paid a visit to the club to meet some very excited young gymnasts. We wish the club well with their plans and look forward to visiting again in the future to see their progress.
6
Bridging the Gap
Helen explained that money is particularly welcome because it allows the foodbank to buy what it needs when it needs to ensure their clients’ needs are met.
6. Caravans We’re so proud of our three Reighton Park caravans, which provide vital short breaks for some of Teesside’s most disadvantaged families. Sadly, many of these families found themselves affected by Covid restrictions and had to cancel, while we were unable to open until the end of May. Still, many families did manage to make it and a wonderful time was had by all! We look forward to filling every break in 2022 and with 60 available dates in each caravan, 180 families can enjoy a break away.
Like many foodbanks, the Billingham facility was under pressure at the beginning of the Covid pandemic, with the demand for food and household supplies increasing across their outlets, which also include Norton and Stockton. They worked together with smaller, pop-up foodbanks at schools and other locations, doing bulk transfers of supplies from their warehouse to ensure nobody went without. Relief of Need made up 44 per cent of our 2021 donations, so the supply of vital products and food to our neediest families was a priority, with foodbanks across the region receiving donations.
Distribution of donations by geographical area 2021 Hartlepool Middlesbrough Redcar & East Cleveland Stockton-on-Tees
10% 48% 12% 30%
Where did your donations go? As you can see from our chart, your donations have helped organisations right across Teesside. The beauty of The Teesside Charity is that every penny you donate goes right back into the community to help those who need it most.
teessidecharity.org.uk
7
With a little help from our friends… Cath McNicol and Carolyn Bean
Melanie visits Redcar foodbank.
Melanie Shields Melanie was a busy girl, organising two virtual raffles and doing a sponsored 200km walk. Melanie’s efforts raised a wonderful £4,300 for our charity which included matched funding from our Patrons at Barclays Middlesbrough, where she works. Melanie, you’re a star!
A huge thank you to the kind and caring individuals who made such a huge difference to our fundraising in recent months – your efforts are greatly appreciated!
Our caravan at Reighton Sands, offered to struggling Teesside families with disabilities, gained a fantastic beach wheelchair, specially adapted for use on sand, thanks to the amazing efforts of Cath and Carolyn of Middlesbrough Powerchair Football Club. The ladies raised a fabulous £2,000 thanks to their individual fundraising activities, plus a generous donation of £2,000 from the Teesside Family Foundation. Well done, Carolyn and Cath - and thank you to all at the Teesside Family Foundation!
Carolyn (right) and Cath enjoy the sun in the new beach wheelchair.
Putting mental health on the big screen
Shoe heroes! A huge thank you to everyone who helped with our 2021 Shoe Box Appeal. More than 500 boxes of essentials and treats were distributed to our region’s most needy by the Moses Project, the Neighbourhood Welfare Middlesbrough Homeless Café and the Middlesbrough Community Church, with further boxes going to charities A Way Out, Harbour, Recipe, RASPS and Melting Pot. Paul cheered on by colleagues from Active Chartered Financial Planners.
Paul Gibson Cycling hero Paul Gibson, of our Patrons Active Chartered Financial Planners, completed a mammoth 970-mile, nine-day bike ride. Taking part in the gruelling Deloitte Ride Across Britain, Paul raised a staggering £7,635 for our charity. We know Paul endured injury, pain and hardship, but we are truly thankful that he was urged on by messages from well-wishers and used his sheer grit and determination to succeed. Thank you, Paul!
Thanks also to…
A big shout out to IMH, Mandale, Active Chartered Financial Planners, Wilton Engineering, PX, Handlesbanken, Tilly, Bailey & Irvine Solicitors, The Endeavour Partnership, Erimus Insurance Brokers, Azets UK and Knights for a fantastic £4,000 of cash donations to help us put the boxes together. Thanks also to WhiteWash Professional for supplying toothbrushes and toothpastes, MI Supplies for supplying hats and gloves and for also donating lots of clothing and thermals, Caswells Group for supplying warm hats, Mike Sherwood from NAD Lab UK for supplying masks and to Charles Clinkard for supplying the shoeboxes
Children and staff from the Beth Fisher Academy with their shoeboxes. themselves, and to the companies, individuals and groups who made their own boxes for us Handelsbanken (Middlesbrough, Stockton and Darlington branches) TBI, Knights, InBond, Razorblue, Endeavour, Azets, The Beth Fisher Academy, St John Middlesbrough Brownies and Rainbows, AV Dawson, Wilton Centre, Andrea Bythway and neighbours, and Shaun Donnelly.
Acklam Masonic Lodge who donated £300 to our cause from their annual fundraising. The Lodge organises many events during the year to raise funds for charity – including the Gallon Walk. Infant Hercules Charity Club members Durata for donating £445, raised from a raffle held at their big networking event. Kevin and Sheila Neal, Dave Radford, Helen Devine and Paul Scrafton, who took part in the Virtual London Marathon, walking 26 miles and raising a fantastic £2,600 for us!
8
Bridging the Gap
Cinema smiles: Trustees Bill Scott OBE and Alistair Beveridge with Middlesbrough College students.
“No man is a failure who has friends.” A key message from Christmas classic It’s A Wonderful Life. Our charity held a cinema visit with a difference at Christmas - a special screening of the festive favourite It’s A Wonderful Life combined with a discussion on mental health, with an audience of Teesside teenagers. Around 150 students and teachers from Middlesbrough College listened to a pre-screening speech with Teesside Charity patrons Alisdair Beveridge and Bill Scott OBE, before settling down with popcorn and drinks to enjoy the timeless film - from a different perspective. In the film, the main character, George Bailey (played by James Stewart) has not enjoyed the life he planned and soon an incident occurs which sees him almost lose everything – including his life to suicide. It’s a film that hits home with Alisdair, whose 15-year-old brother sadly took his own life in 2009.
Life lesson students watch the big screen showing.
Bill added: “Alisdair’s story is one that is too often heard, but there are hidden messages in this film which proves that everyone has a life ahead of them and a purpose - that there is light at the end of the tunnel.” Rashpal Singh Rattan, Middlesbrough College ESOL coordinator for 16-18, said: “The film was discussed with my group when we got back to college.
You can’t stop the storm, but you can let it pass.” Alisdair told the students: “If you find yourself in really hot water or having a really, really bad day, the good news is you can survive it if you let the mist rise. You can’t stop the storm, but you can let it pass.”
“It was really nice to have a discussion which embedded a wider understanding of the meaning of the film. “Students were able to give their own opinions about circumstances of their own situations that had arisen and to reflect and think about a solution indepth, rather than the problem.”
teessidecharity.org.uk
9
10 ways YOU can help our unique charity
Helping Hands
Andrew Rowe (pictured below) of our Patrons Azets Accountants and Business Advisors, explains why company donations to charity – including The Teesside Charity have some surprising benefits in return…
It’s easy to make a difference to those in need on Teesside – simply support our charity in a way that suits your budget and time
1
Become a patron
We have more than 40 Patrons – local businesses and wealthy individuals who make an annual donation. By being a Patron, you can get involved with funding application decisions, present cheques and awards to our Teesside Heroes and Golden Giveaway winners, as well as being recognised in our newsletters and on our website. An annual patronage is £5,000 for organisations and £2,750 for individuals. To get involved, email info@teessidecharity. org.uk
2
Join the Infant Hercules Charity Club (IHCC)
Perfect for smaller businesses who are keen to support us on a corporate level, membership of the IHCC costs £1,000 a year or £100 a month. Benefits include the opportunity to publicly show support, have your logo on our charity website, a Facebook article when you sign up, mentions on Twitter and invitations to exclusive quarterly business gatherings. For more information, contact Diane Williamson via info@teessidecharity. org.uk
3
Become a Centurion
Join the legions of wonderful people who donate £19 a month to our charity as a Centurion. To sign up and do your bit for Teesside's most disadvantaged people, visit our charity’s website and click the ‘Donate’ button to complete your details.
The team from Patrons Anderson Barrowcliffe complete a sponsored walk to raise money for our charity.
4
Make a one-off donation
By simply clicking the blue ‘Donate’ button on our website, you can make a one-off payment. There is no monetary limit – we are immensely grateful for all your donations.
5
Attend an event
Our charity organises wonderful events throughout the year, from lunches to black tie and sporting events. Buy a ticket, come along and have fun knowing that you are helping a fantastic cause. Check our website for details.
6
Take part in a sponsored event
Ever fancied running a marathon, skydiving or perhaps bungee jumping? Then take part in one of our sponsored events. We do all the organisation, you simply need to raise a minimum amount of money. Keep an eye on our social media for offers.
10
7
Organise your own event
Have a coffee morning, a boot sale or an office raffle. We love to hear the ingenious ways our supporters raise money for us!
8
Donate prizes for auctions and raffles
Raffles and auctions are great fun and bring in much-needed funds. We accept hampers and bottles of alcohol, beauty vouchers, hotel stays– every donation is appreciated! Email Diane Williamson via info@ teessidecharity.org.uk
9
Nominate a Teesside Hero
Teesside Heroes not only get recognition for their amazing good deeds as unsung community champions, but they are given £1,000 to donate to their Teesside-based charity of choice. Of course, we need to hear about them, so nominate them via info@teessidecharity.org.uk
Follow us on social media
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter, like and share our posts - it makes a huge difference in helping us spread the word about our wonderful charity. Facebook: The Teesside Charity
A recent patron and Infant Hercules Charity Club meeting
10
Bridging the Gap
Twitter: @teessidecharity
Instagram: @TeessideCharity
Charity fundraisers are great ways to boost staff morale.
Give and you shall receive! One of the great privileges of running a business is being able to give generously to community organisations and charitable causes that matter to you. Every day, business owners share their success by giving money, products, volunteer hours and charitable outreach efforts to good causes in their communities. Charities are constantly looking for funding to help accomplish their goals. Giving to these organisations is not only a good thing to do — it can also deliver big benefits to your business. In the social media era, charitable companies will earn a reputation as being ‘good’ and people will be more likely to want to buy from them. By supporting a charity, your business is spreading the word about your values and intentions, and helping you get introduced to new customers, but there are further benefits of corporate giving that reinforce why you should donate to charity. One of the most immediate is being able to get a charitable donation tax deduction and many small businesses try to make charitable giving part of their overall business model.
Employee perks have escalated to new levels in the last few years. Increasingly, the most in-demand talent can choose to be picky about their workplace. In a recent study by Deloitte on volunteering, 62 per cent of 18–26-year-olds questioned said they would prefer to work for a company that offers volunteer opportunities to their employees. Getting your company involved with your community is a great way to boost morale and keep your employees happy. Sponsoring a charitable programme and volunteering your business’s time are great ways to raise awareness about a specific cause and also promote your business in partnership with the organisation or event. You can spread the word about the charitable event by posting on your social media platforms and website. Giving back to your community will also help you build stronger relationships with your existing customers — and gain new ones. A 2010 study by Cone Communications revealed that 85 per cent of consumers have a better outlook on businesses which give to a charity that they care about.
Giving back is good for you! “ Even aside from the tax breaks and publicity, perhaps the biggest benefit of having your business support a charity is the feeling you get from giving to others – giving back is good for you! So, why not meet with your employees and find out about their interest in supporting a charity and joining the ranks of charitable companies? Support your community and fight for a good cause that makes a big difference to people’s lives. The spirit of giving and making a difference in the community is one of the most powerful aspects of being a business owner — so don’t delay!
For more information about supporting The Teesside Charity, contact mandy.s@teessidecharity.org.uk
teessidecharity.org.uk
11
Golden moments How The Teesside Charity played fairy godmother to 24 local causes Our first Golden Giveaway since the pandemic began was a huge success – with a massive £25,000 pot being split between 24 worthy Teesside charities, not-for-profit organisations, community groups and schools. A panel of our Patrons selected the final 24, with a public vote deciding which cause received the biggest share of the money. In a moving ceremony at the Riverside Stadium, each of the community organisations chosen received at least £500, with representatives of the charity’s Patrons and Infant Hercules Charity Club members presenting the amounts on the day. For the second time since their formation in 2018, Autism Parents Together - a charity which supports parents of children with autism topped our poll. Receiving their donations from one of our founding Patrons, Barney Ord, joint founders Nicola McBean and Karen Clayton were “shocked and thrilled” to win the big one once again. Second place in the poll were Teesside Samaritans, who carry out such vital work in our community. They received £2,500 in a presentation by Emily Bulmer of Patrons PD Ports. Amounts of £1,750 were handed over to both the Teesside Ability Support Centre and the Hartlepool Special Needs Support Group by Matthew Telling of Middlesbrough College and personal Patron Bill Scott OBE. Thrilled with £1,500 were Neoangels, a Billingham-based charity which supports the parents of babies born prematurely or with potentially lifethreatening conditions, who received
12
Bridging the Gap
their donation from Michael Shuker of our Patrons Square One Law. Amounts of £1,500 also went to Cause Christmas Hamper Campaign, The Tees River Rescue and Teesside Powerchair Football Club, who received their donation from Barney Ord, Andrew Rowe of Azets and Jeremy Lowes of Crystal Galleries. Smaller but no less important amounts of £500 were presented to The Bungalow Partnership, Dave Saunders Football Academy, Voice For Families UK, the 1st Saltburn Scout Group, Blank Canvas, Redcar Town FC Under-7s Royals, the River Tees Multi-Academy Trust, Rubies, Tees Valley Sound Tennis, Tees Valley Wildlife Trust, The Big League, TRAC UK, Trinity Family Friendly Centre, We Can Dance, Stockton HOPE and Halo Project. Our thanks to Matthew Telling, Andrew Rowe, Bev Goodall of AbacusBean and Harriet Spalding of Mandale Group for presenting these amounts.
24 worthy Teesside charities, not-for-profit organisations, community groups and schools.”
£5,000
£1,750
£1,500
£1,500
Barney Ord and Autism Parents Together joint founders Nicola McBean and Karen Clayton.
Hartlepool Special Needs Support Group with Personal Patron Bill Scott OBE.
Teesside Powerchair Football Club representatives with Andrew Rowe of Azets.
Neoangels CEO Julie Colarossi and Michael Shuker of Square One Law.
£2,500
£1,500
£1,500
£500
Emily Bulmer of PD Ports made the presentation to Teesside Samaritans.
Cause Christmas Hamper Campaign’s Pat McBride and sister Marie Kilgallon with Barney Ord.
Tees River Rescue received their donation from Jeremy Lowes of Crystal Galleries.
Bev Goodall of AbacusBean with 1st Saltburn Scout Group, Blank Canvas, Redcar Town U-7’s Royals and River Tees Trust.
£1,750
£500
£500
£500
Teesside Ability Support Centre’s Jane Grieg, Kath Penman and Malcolm Turley with Matthew Telling of Middlesbrough College.
Andrew Rowe of Azets with the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust, Rubies and Tees Valley Sound Tennis.
Matthew Telling with The Bungalow Partnership, Dave Saunders Football Academy and Voice For Families UK.
Harriet Spalding of Mandale Group with The Big League, TRAC UK, Trinity Family Friendly Centre and We Can Dance. teessidecharity.org.uk
13
Action heroes!
Let’s hear it for the amazing citizens of our region who proudly accepted the accolade of Teesside Hero from our charity over the past 12 months…
donation was split between Priory ABC and the Motor Neurone Disease Care Centre at James Cook University Hospital. Having raised thousands of pounds for the British Legion and other military charities over the years, as well as raising awareness of conditions affecting veterans, those serving and their families, Julie’s work has become vital for veterans in our region and she used her £1,000 award money to ensure this continues.
Each got to choose a local cause to receive a £1,000 donation from us in their name. Dimmer split the £1,000 award money between two local charities, the Eston Handicapped Society and the Billingham Foodbank.
Against all the odds, the Coulby Newham resident has turned his life around and now offers support and guidance to other sufferers. He is a fundraiser, peer mentor, lived experience ambassador at Teesside University and trustee for the Tees Valley Neurological Alliance (TVDNY). Receiving his trophy from Patron Adrienne Stark, Gordon donated his £1,000 award money to the TVDNY.
£1,000 to Hope 4 East Cleveland
DOROTHY ROSE (above) £1,000 to Age UK Teesside Dorothy, 95, a former nurse from Stockton, was honoured for seven decades of caring for the elderly in her community. A long-term supporter of Age UK, Dorothy once served as their chair of trustees and their head office was even named in her honour. This amazing great grandma still runs activity groups, attends all the major events at Age UK Teesside and is guest of honour at their annual general meeting. Zoe Lewis, principal and chief executive of our Patrons Middlesbrough College, gave Dorothy her award. Unsurprisingly, she donated the £1,000 prize money to Age UK Teesside.
14
Bridging the Gap
DAMIAN ‘DIMMER’ BLACKWELL (below) £1,000 shared between Eston Handicapped Society & Billingham Foodbank Hartburn sound engineer Dimmer was amazed when Alisdair Beveridge of our Patrons The Build Directory presented a Teesside Hero award to him during a gig at the Dorman’s club in Linthorpe. The award was in recognition of his fundraising efforts on behalf of charities such as CRY (Cardiac Risk in The Young), CPositive (cancer awareness), Trinity Holistic Centre, Make A Wish Foundation, Teesside Hospice and many more.
Yvonne was presented with her award by Paul Gibson of Patrons Active Chartered Financial Planners and donated her £1,000 award money to the Hope 4 East Cleveland organisation.
GORDON WILLIAMS (above opposite page)
£1,000 to Tees Valley Neurological Alliance Having managed a number of neurological conditions for many years, Gordon had suffered greatly from lack of confidence, being discriminated against and marginalised.
£1,000 to Billingham Tidy Up Eighty-five amazing volunteers of the Billingham Tidy Up (BTU) received a group Teesside Hero award, thanks to their community litter-picking events. BTU founder Michelle Dack collected the award on behalf of the group from Peter Caswell of Patrons Caswell’s. The £1,000 donation was used to ensure that each volunteer has a picker, bag hoop, gloves and other items such as a trolley to move rubbish bags to collection points.
YVONNE HOLDEN (above) Former NHS worker Yvonne, 74, spends her time volunteering in her Brotton community. From toddler groups to helping with the school uniform bank, making soup for low-income families and assisting at youth clubs, Rainbows, Brownies, and Guides, she even shops and caters for over 350 children during the school holidays in a bid to address holiday hunger.
BILLINGHAM TIDY UP
GARY BOWES (above) £1,000 shared between Priory ABC and Motor Neurone Disease Care Centre Former boxer and footballer Gary plays a vital role in his Guisborough community, where he volunteers in numerous youth clubs and trains local children and young people free of charge at the Priory Amateur Boxing Club. Particularly patient with those who have Asperger’s and autism, Gary also has a positive influence on older children whose lives may need guidance. Michael Powell of Patrons Cleveland Cable Company presented a Teesside Hero award to Gary whose £1,000
JANET DAVIS (above) £1,000 to The Salvation Project Janet formed the Thornaby-based notfor-profit group, The Salvation Project, in 2016 to help those in need in her town and the surrounding areas. The Salvation Project works closely with local primary schools where staff have identified children who are in need of help, supplying food, toiletries, adult and child footwear and clothing, school uniforms and hampers at Christmas. Mark Easby of Patrons Better and Alisdair Beveridge of The Build Directory presented her with £1,000 to further boost the project’s work.
JULIE COOPER (above) £1,000 to Don War Memorial Museum Creator of the Don War Memorial Museum and Veterans Hub and the Last Post bar in Thornaby, Julie was surprised with a Teesside Hero award on Remembrance Sunday by Alisdair Beveridge of Patrons The Build Directory.
Do you know a Teesside Hero? The Teesside Charity is looking for more nominations for Teesside Hero awards. If you know someone worthy of the accolade, email Jenny Williams at jenny.w@teessidecharity.org.uk
teessidecharity.org.uk
15
You shall go to the Ball! After a long and lonely lockdown, the great and the good of Teesside were desperate to put their dancing shoes on and join us for our 10th Anniversary Ball.
Held at the beautiful Wynyard Hall Grand Marquee, supporters had been so eager to let down their hair that tickets sold out in less 24 hours – instead of the usual three months! Thanks to all who attended, we managed to make a fantastic £60,000, which is already helping dozens of local worthy causes.
£60,000 raised
We hope to see everyone again this year!
Save the date Tickets for this year’s ball are available now! The event is being held on Friday October 7 at a new venue – Hardwick Hall Grand Marquee. Contact Diane on diane.w@teessidecharity.org.uk to reserve your table.
16
Bridging the Gap
teessidecharity.org.uk
17
Fundraising
LADIES WHO LUNCH Around 200 supporters attended when the charity held our latest Ladies’ Lunch at the stunning Hardwick Hall. Exclusive shopping was followed by a delicious meal with wine and some words of wisdom from our host Caroline Theobald and guest speaker Amy Dalby, AKA The Blondie Baker.
Dates for your diary The Teesside Charity’s Mandy Shields (left), Blondie Baker Amy Dalby and host Caroline Theobald at the lunch.
There’s something for everyone, great fun to be had – and of course, you’ll be raising money to help support those most in need on Teesside.
When the pandemic hit in 2019, full-time mum turned full-time baker Amy took her blondie baking business to new heights, gaining more than 11,000 Instagram followers. Amy gave us a wonderful insight into her business.
Don't look down skydive with us!
The next Ladies Lunch will be held on Thursday May 12 at Gisborough Hall, with tickets priced at £37.50 per person. Chris Nolan, Erimus Insurance and friends.
CHARITY SKYDIVE DATE: SATURDAY, MARCH 26 VENUE: PETERLEE PARACHUTE CENTRE
Sleeping out, out! Dozens of our supporters braved the cold weather to take part in the Big Tees Sleepout in the courtyard outside Middlesbrough Town Hall – raising more than £6,500 in the process! The Big Tees Sleepout is a vital fundraiser, encouraging people to join forces and sleep rough for the night to raise awareness and muchneeded funds in the fight against local homelessness and poverty. All funds raised from this latest event were used to support local foodbanks, the Salvation Army Christmas Toy Appeal and homeless initiatives on Teesside.
TIME: 8AM - NOON
Thanks to everyone who took part, to Middlesbrough Town Hall for letting us use their venue and to Susan Gill, who kept spirits up as temperatures dropped with stories about the wonderful work of her team at Middlesbrough Homeless Cafe.
£6,500+ raised
Not for the faint of heart, but supporters who have overcome their fears and completed a skydive for our charity rave about the experience. Will you add this one to your bucket list? All we ask is that you cover your £50 entry fee and raise at least £395 in sponsorship. Spaces are limited, so sign up now via the website teessidecharity.org.uk or contact mandy.s@teessidecharity.org.uk for more information.
DATE: THURSDAY, MAY 12
DATE: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
VENUE: GISBOROUGH HALL
What an achievement it is to be part of the world’s biggest half marathon! We have guaranteed places available if you’re feeling fit and need an excuse to start getting in shape. We only ask that you cover the £60 entry fee and raise £300 in sponsorship.
TIME: FROM 11AM A firm favourite returns for 2022. Our Spring Ladies’ Lunch kicks off at a new venue for us - the picturesque Gisborough Hall. Join the wonderful businesswomen of Teesside for a bit of shopping from our VIP stall holders, followed by a twocourse meal with wine and some fun and informative chat from our guest speakers, Chloë Clover and Lou Tonner of Middlesbrough’s Wander Films. Tickets are priced at £37.50 per person, and tables are also available to reserve.
All who take part will receive a running vest and there will be a space in the charity village, where runners can receive a well-deserved post-run massage and refreshments. To reserve your place, go to teessidecharity.org.uk, search events and click the ‘buy now’ button. Alternatively, contact mandy.s@ teessidecharity.org.uk.
Contact mandy.s@teessidecharity.org.uk.
VENUE: BRASS CASTLE GOLF CLUB, MARTON TIME: 11AM
Why not dust off your sleeping bag and join in the fun?
Bridging the Gap
GREAT NORTH RUN
DATE: THURSDAY, JUNE 16
The next Big Sleepout will be held at Middlesbrough College in the autumn.
More information is available from mandy.s@teessidecharity.org.uk
SPRING LADIES’ LUNCH
CHARITY GOLF DAY
Sleep on it!
18
Special guests - Tees Businesswoman of the Year Chloë Clover (right) and Wander Films partner Lou Tonner.
Every penny we raise via our events goes right back into the heart of the community, so please do join us!
The event raised a fantastic £4,650 for our charity. Thanks to our sponsors BMI Woodlands Hospital.
Please contact mandy.s@teessidecharity.org.uk or call 01642 686018
Don’t miss any of the fantastic charity events we have taking place throughout 2022.
Fore! Our Golf Day is always a winner.
A fantastic event for getting out in the fresh air, joining with fellow golfers and enjoying some light-hearted (or fierce, in some cases!) competition, our charity golf days are always popular. Team entry is £420 including breakfast on arrival, shotgun start and a twocourse meal followed by a presentation for the victors! Contact mandy.s@ teessidecharity.org.uk.
Run for fun and funds.
teessidecharity.org.uk
19
Our Patrons
The generosity and commitment of The Teesside Charity’s Trustees and Patrons is helping to shine a spotlight on Teesside for all the right reasons – from willingness to give, to the strength of our private sector and the area’s ambitions for a more positive future. Thank you to every one of them.
Andy Preston
Barney Ord
Rob McLaughlin
Bill Scott
Simon Scotchbrook
Ian & Adrienne Stark
Smith Family
Alistair Bibby
Connolly Family
OUR TRUSTEES Lee Bramley, Emily Bentley, Alisdair Beveridge, Paul Davison, Ian Gordon, David Henderson, Karl Pemberton, Harriet Spalding, Ian Stark, Andrew Rowe, Bill Scott OBE. Registered Charity No 1140740