Halls Bavarian night supports local sight loss charity

WORCESTER property consultancy Halls hosted a foot-stomping, beer-swilling Bavarian night to raise £2,500 for a local charity supporting blind and partially sighted people.

Around 200 people attended the event at Worcester’s Guildhall to raise money for Sight Concern Worcestershire. Guests enjoyed a hog roast and a live performance from authentic oompah band The Bierkeller Schunklers.

Jason Clines, managing partner at Halls Commercial, said: “We were overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone at the event, which was a sell out. It was a fantastic, fun evening that raised a significant amount of money for a very worthwhile countywide charity. 

“There was plenty of audience participation and we were pleased that a number of people came dressed in lederhosen and really threw themselves into the theme of the evening. So many people have already asked us to make it an annual event, and we have decided we will.”

Covering the whole of Worcestershire, Sight Concern provides support and advice to more than 2,500 people each year who are blind or partially sighted. 

George Green makes final donation to local foodbank

BLACK Country law firm George Green has presented local charity Black Country Foodbank with a final donation, which draws to a close its fundraising and support over the past two years.

The Black Country Foodbank which has distribution centres in Brierley Hill and Stourbridge, has received just over £6,800 from George Green, since it was selected as the firm’s chosen charity in 2010. The partners and staff have been fundraising ever since, through a variety of means including dress down days, sponsored walks and cake sales.

The charity organisation, which was formed in 2006, currently has eight distribution centres across the region. The aim of the foodbank is to give nutritionally balanced food to people experiencing emotional or financial crisis.

Tim Lang, employment partner and champion of the George Green Charity Committee said: “They do an amazing job in the local community, particularly in the current economic climate with more and more people needing their help. I would like to thank my fellow partners and colleagues at George Green for getting behind our fundraising over the past two years.”

Wendy Fryatt, from the charity, said: “Without the support of local businesses like George Green and the whole community we could not continue to help those who find themselves in crisis situations and without the means to feed themselves or their family.”

Stoke council chiefs take a dive for a good cause

STOKE-on-Trent City council chiefs were amongst those to abseil down a 100ft drop for charity.

They were among some 40 fancy-dressed fundraisers making the daring descent down the YMCA building in Hanley.

Chief executive John van de Laarschot and four members of his management team (Dawn Hewins, Pete Bates, Pete Price and Steve Sankey) were joined for the stunt by cabinet member for education, Councillor Alan Dutton.

The stunt raised cash for Christmas presents for young people facing the festive season alone.

The idea came from young people in local Care Leaver’s Group “Tune In”
and was planned as part of National Care Leavers’ Week.

Van de Laarschot said: “It’s so impressive to see young people taking the initiative in this way to help others like themselves.

“The abseil is a great idea and I’m delighted to help promote awareness of this issue and raise some money.”