All in a Good Cause

THE LOCAL COMMUNITY has helped last year’s Mayor of Sunderland raise almost £17,500 for charity.

Every Mayor during their twelve month term of office, can nominate their Mayoral charities to benefit from their fundraising activities at civic events throughout the year.

Last year’s Mayor, ward councillor for Ryhope Councillor Alan Emerson, chose St Benedict’s Hospice, Sunderland ‘Headlight’ mental health charity and Diabetes UK.

Cllr Emerson invited representatives from all three charities into the Mayor’s Parlour to receive their individual cheques with an equal share of the final fundraising total.

Cllr Emerson said: “I would like to thank everyone I met during my term of office for their kindness and support, and for their generosity during our fundraising which raised so much money fantastic charities in our community.

“I was delighted to be able to support these charities during my term of office, and pleased to invite them into the civic centre to present them with their cheques.”

Senior support worker at Headlight, Monica Saddington said:”We feel privileged to have been chosen as one of the Mayor’s charities for a year, and are absolutely delighted that Councillor Emerson believes in the work that we do to support individuals in the community who are experiencing mental health difficulties.

“As a small local charity we have been given the opportunity to raise our profile and receive a massive contribution, which will substantially help us to continue to support some of the most vulnerable members of our community.

“We would like to express that the funds raised means so much to Sunderland Headlight and thank everyone involved in supporting us.”                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Chairman of St Benedict’s Hospice, Derek Moss added:”Councillor Emerson has been a tremendous supporter of the Hospice over many years, and we all worked well together at charitable fundraising events throughout his term of office.

“We were all absolutely delighted to be chosen as one of his Mayoral  Charities, and would like to thank everyone involved.”

Louise Simonian, Regional Fundraiser for Diabetes UK said: “We are delighted to have been chosen as one of the Mayor’s charities for the year and would like to thank everyone involved in fundraising efforts over the past 12 months.

“The money that has been raised will be invested in local projects to make a real difference to the lives of the more than 15,000 people living with diabetes in Sunderland, helping us to achieve our vision of a world where diabetes can do no harm.”