News and Events from the Community Foundation

Ladies Lunch a Roaring Success

Guests enjoy an inspiring speech by Fiona O’Connor

The fourth International Women’s Day Networking Lunch at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead last week was a roaring success and, with the guests’ support and generosity, we raised £2500 for the Women’s Fund.

We would like to give an especially warm thank you to our speakers: Fiona O’Connor, Caroline Theobald, Susan Bickerton and Helen McArdle.

Fiona’s speech about her grandmother and the Acorn Fund she set up in her honour was truly inspiring. We have since had several people get in touch about setting up their own fund in memory of a loved one.

The in-conversation piece led by Caroline Theobald reminded us that women in all business sectors are unstoppable. Thank you Susan and Helen for your insight about the trials and triumphs of life leading an organisation.

We are also pleased to announce that we will be hosting the fifth annual International Women’s Day Networking Lunch on Friday 2 March 2012, but, if you would like to meet likeminded women and support the Women’s Fund throughout the year then Fresh Fridays at the Baltic is for you! The next one is on 6 May 2011. For more information email Caroline Theobald.

We would also like to thank Deloitte LLP for their continuing support of the International Women’s Day Networking Lunch and the Women’s Fund. Without their help we would not be able to host such a unique event.

Tyne & Wear High Sheriff Hosts Annual Awards

Representatives from Youth Almighty collect their award from Bolo Zenden and the High Sheriff for Tyne & Wear, Sue Winfield OBE

Over 200 young people enjoyed a fabulous awards evening at the 20th annual High Sheriff Community Awards for Tyne & Wear held at the Stadium of Light and presented by Sunderland Football Club captain and Dutch international player, Bolo Zenden.

49 community and voluntary groups from around the area all received an award ranging from £420 to £2,500. Sunderland based Youth Almighty, which offers various creative, social, physical and educational activities to young people in the Silksworth area of Sunderland, were the top winners on the night.

Sue Winfield OBE is the current High Sheriff for Tyne & Wear, she said:

“It has been fascinating to have the opportunity to visit and learn about the excellent work that is being done throughout Tyne & Wear for so many young people in so many different ways. My congratulations to every group, not just tonight’s winners for providing such worthwhile activities which promote community safety and social cohesion.

“Youth Almighty thoroughly deserved to win the top award of £2,500 and the panel were unanimous in their decision. Their approach at engaging young people is innovative and is clearly achieving results. We have had a marvellous night here at Sunderland Football Club and I’d like to thank Bolo Zenden for doing such an excellent job in presenting the awards.”

For more information about the High Sheriff Awards click here or email Su Legg.

Call for Applications

The Sage Fund is looking for applications for grants of up to £5,000 from organisations working to support local people of all ages to nurture talent or provide life and employability skills which make a lasting contribution towards improving the quality of life of those it helps. The deadline is Tuesday 3 May 2011 and you can apply online now by clicking here.

The John D Fund is looking for applications for grants of up to £2,500 to support creative activities for young people that allow them to explore their creativity and develop hobbies. Click here to apply online by Friday 20 May.

Ball Tickets Now on Sale

Tickets for the Tiny Lives Black & White Party are now on sale. The event will take place at Gosforth Park Marriott on Friday 9 September 2011 and tables of 10 are priced at £850 each. Last year the event raised a phenomenal £32,000 to support premature and sick babies on the Special Baby Care Unit at the RVI.

For more information email Louise Carroll or call 0191 220 945.

Transitional Gift Aid Ending

The additional 3p Gift Aid out of every £1 donated to charities through the Transitional Gift Aid Scheme will be coming to an end on 5 April 2011. The scheme was set up in April 2008 to allow charities to adjust to the fall in basic rate tax from 22% to 20%.

So if you are planning on donating to charity or haven’t filled in a gift aid form for your chosen charity do so now so that they can claim up to four years’ worth of Gift Aid.

For more information about Transitional Gift Aid click here.

Volunteers Wanted

Aquila Way, the Gateshead charity that accommodates and supports homeless people is about to open a homeless drop-in where service users can be signposted to various organisations, wash their clothes, take a shower or just have a chat.  It is aiming to open by the 4th April but there is a lot of work still to be done.  The charity is looking for volunteers to help with decorating and sprucing the place up.

To register your interest or for more information please contact Lynne Jackson, Aquila Volunteer Coordinator on 0191 491 5700.