Member Article

Applications open for intu's charities of the year

After a successful year of fund raising £30,000 for two well-loved local charities, intu Metrocentre and intu Eldon Square are looking for two new charity partners.

intu is seeking applications from organisations that would like to be charity partners for one year, commencing on 2 October. intu Metrocentre and intu Eldon Square will each have a dedicated charity across a twelve month period - giving them increased insight into the life changing effects of their individual fundraising efforts and the chance to work as a centre towards the nominated charity’s fundraising targets.

The chosen charities will benefit from free access to space in an intu centre which gives charities valuable time to interact with shoppers as well as a platform to raise awareness of their cause.

During the partnership intu Eldon Square and intu Metrocentre will aim to raise as much money as possible to help the two charities - this includes organising exciting and fun events in centre as well as giving charities the space to organise their own fundraising activities.

Staff at both centres have a proven track record of taking on a host of exciting and inventive new challenges to raise funds for their respective charities - from Ben Nevis treks to feats of cycling endurance. Shoppers are also keen to join in the fundraising initiatives, supporting carol singers and donating spare change.

Over the past year funds raised by intu Metrocentre and intu Eldon Square for St Oswald’s Hospice have provided over 950 hours of nursing care for those in the region who need it most, while Hadrian School has been able to fund a new wheelchair adapted minibus thanks to generous donations from staff and shoppers alike.

Applications are open until 14 August – from all of the applications received five charities will be shortlisted and invited to make a presentation to the community manager and the charity committee on 1 September. All charities will be notified of the committee’s decision by 6 September.

Clare Cannon, community manager intu north east, said:

“At intu we recognise how important it is to support every facet of the local community we serve – from focusing on education, skills and employability training, to helping disadvantaged young people, the prevention of anti-social behaviour, environment, place-making and regeneration, as well as health and well-being.

“The successful partnerships formed with St Oswald’s Hospice and Hadrian School are fantastic examples of how the Charity of the Year initiative can have a significant, positive and lasting impact.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for two local charities to work with intu, raising vital funds and increasing awareness of the important work they do. We’re looking forward to receiving the applications and wish all the charities the very best of luck.”

Applications should be sent to clare.cannon@intu.co.uk by Monday 14 August – for any queries or for further information please contact Clare at clare.cannon@intu.co.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Lyn Spencer .