Daisy Chain supporters Darlington Building Society are crowning a year of committed support by sponsoring the annual flagship Winter Ball.
Throughout 2019, Darlington Building Society staff have taken to the River Tees in the Boat Race, trekked the Cleveland 4 Peaks and donned their overalls to volunteer on the farm site and charity Superstore.
It’s all part of Darlington Building Society’s long-term commitment to Daisy Chain as a charity partner over a number of years.
And in 2019 it will culminate at the spectacular fundraising Winter Ball – one of the most pivotal dates in the calendar for Daisy Chain fundraising. All proceeds go to supporting families in the area affected by autism and guests can discover the vital work they are supporting by attending.
Andrew Craddock, Chief Executive Officer of Darlington Building Society, said, ‘Darlington Building Society is hugely supportive of the incredible difference Daisy Chain makes for those affected by autism, and supporting the annual flagship Winter Ball will conclude another fantastic year of supporting the charity.
‘This year our staff have participated in the Daisy Chain Boat Race and we took on the Cleveland 4 Peaks Challenge, including myself. Staff members have also committed a number of volunteering hours throughout the year at both Daisy Chain’s Day Centre and Superstore.
‘As a result, we are rewarding staff members who have committed their volunteering and personal time to Daisy Chain this year with an invite to attend the Winter Ball on behalf of the Society.’
The society has a pledge to share five per cent of net profits after tax with the local community. Each year at the Annual General Meeting members vote for the causes they would like the monies to support. 2019’s chosen categories were:
- People Helping People
- Elderly & Loneliness
- Medical Research
Vicky Cooper, marketing and communications team lead, explains, ‘We aim to support the local communities in all areas Darlington Building Society operates and we have nine branches across the Tees Valley from Redcar to Barnard Castle.
‘All staff are also given two volunteering days each year and they can decide where to spend them. Often staff like to give that time to the community where they work and live. We support a wide range of charities and organisations within our operating areas.’
This year so many staff wanted to take part in the Cleveland 4 Peaks challenge event to raise money for Daisy Chain, the charity put on a special event for Darlington Building Society staff only.
Vicky adds, ‘The Cleveland 4 Peaks Challenge was a fantastic day for a great cause and, so far, our staff, families and friends have raised £1,600 for Daisy Chain. We also received such great feedback after taking part in the Boat Race that we are hoping to enter two teams in 2020.’
Daisy Chain’s annual Winter Ball is on Friday 29th November at Hardwick Hall Hotel. Neeraj Sharma, Daisy Chain chief executive says, ‘This is a really important event for us to celebrate the work the charity does, reaching out to vulnerable families who need support and respite services to help them cope with a child or young person on the autistic spectrum.
‘The commitment from organisations like Darlington Building Society is vital to our future and our success and it is brilliant to come together with so many supporters to celebrate and raise funds for Daisy Chain.’
The event is also being sponsored by LJJ Ltd Building Services Contractors and bePremiere Hair salon in Darlington.