The Northallerton branch of Darlington Building Society has raised £167 for local charity, Breathing Space, by challenging customers to guess the weight of a cake.
Customers were invited to pay 50p to guess the weight of the fruitcake, which was baked by Customer Service Consultant, Sarah Jefferson, with all the money raised going to support Breathing Space’s programmes.
The money raised from the competition also received a boost from the Society’s community support fund, which provides charitable donations to community and charity projects throughout the region.
Breathing Space aims to provide adults with learning disabilities and their families in Hambleton and Richmondshire with social activities and respite. It was established in 1994 by a group of like-minded people who wanted their family members to be able to enjoy trips out and activities like their siblings and other young adults, but with safety supervision and transportation provided.
The Society is continuing to support Breathing Space by sponsoring the charity’s 21st anniversary ball later this year. The event on 27 November will be held at Allerton Court Hotel and promises to be a glamourous affair with a three course dinner and dancing. Tickets will soon be available to purchase from the Northallerton branch of Darlington Building Society, Hayes Travel and Breathing Space’s office at the Mencap Centre.
Sarah said: “We’re very pleased to be able to help Breathing Space.
“It’s a local charity and we’ve had so many positive comments from customers who have had some kind of positive experience with the charity, either through their own family or through the family of a friend.”
Colin Fyfe, Chief Executive at Darlington Building Society, added: “Breathing Space provides an important service for its members and their families.
“By giving its users the chance to be able to build a social circle and meet other people with similar conditions in a relaxed and safe environment, it provides their families with much-deserved respite time.”
“It’s important to the Society that we continue to support our local communities, so we’re very pleased to be able to support such a great organisation.”
Anne Alder, chair of Breathing Space, said: “Everyone at Breathing Space is very grateful for the support we have received from Darlington Building Society. All the money we receive goes directly towards funding activities for our users such as trips to the seaside, sports activities and anything else our users enjoy.
“We are always in need of helpers. Anyone who is interested in working with our group, either as a trained carer, fundraiser or as a volunteer is encouraged to contact the group through the Mencap Centre.”