Member Article

Vela Group Hosts Halloween Ball for Charity

A North East housing group, committed to supporting a local autism charity, has held a ‘spookstacular’ Halloween Ball raising thousands of pounds with a helping hand from a whole host of local businesses and organisations.

The Halloween Ball organised and hosted by Vela, the Tees Valley based housing group, was held at Gisborough Hall, Guisborough.

The event saw over 160 representatives from businesses across the North East turn out in ghoulishly-good fancy dress to raise money for Vela’s charity of the year – Daisy Chain. Entertainment on the night included a snake charmer, fire eater, raffle, casino and laser shooting.

The money raised from the eventwill go towards the Group’s annual target of £20,000, which it hopes to achieve in the New Year.

Mike Clark, Chair of the Vela Group, which includes Housing Hartlepool and Tristar Homes, said: “As an organisation with the community at the heart of everything we do, Vela is delighted to support Daisy Chain, a local charity which does invaluable work supporting young people with autism and their families.

“We would like to thank all of the organisations who attended and supported the ball and helped make the event such a huge success. Their contribution will make a real difference to children and families throughout the North East who use Daisy Chain’s fantastic facilities.”

Daisy Chain Chief Executive, Matt Simpson said: “We are extremely grateful that the Vela Group continues to raise money for us. Fundraising is difficult in the current financial climate, so by Vela having us as their charity of the year is welcome news and will help us make a difference to many families’ lives.”

So far this year, Vela employees have participated in a wide range of fundraising events including a zip line off the Baltic in Newcastle, taken part in a boat race at the Tees Barrage and completed the Great North Run - all in aid of the charity.

The culmination of Vela’s year of fundraising for Daisy Chain will be marked by Vela Group Chair, Mike Clark, along with other Vela colleagues, scaling the heights of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania in February 2013.

Daisy Chain was launched in June 2003 by the late Lesley Hanson, whose dream was to create a haven for children with autism or learning disabilities and their families.

They provide a range of services, including support and activity groups for the whole family from the charity’s main base at Calf Fallow Farm in Norton, which houses a sensory soft play area, IT suite, an area for arts and crafts and conference facilities.

Alongside fundraising, Vela has also helped to convert a former farmhouse at the site into a resource centre and support facility for parents free of charge.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Recognition PR Business Team .