THE spending power of shoppers has brought early Christmas gifts to the tune of nearly £20,000 to four County Durham charities.
The money was raised at the annual Durham Shopping Extravaganza, which returned to Ramside Hall Hotel this October, attracting thousands of shoppers over two days.
Now the profits have been shared between charities that support families and individuals across the county.
Outgoing co-chair of the Durham Shopping Extravaganza Kirsty Robeson said: "The day that we hand over the money to our chosen charities makes all the hard work that goes into organising the event well worth it.
"They are organisations that do a fantastic job but might struggle to raise substantial amounts, so we are so grateful to people for supporting the Durham Shopping Extravaganza and helping us to raise these valuable donations.
“Our event would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors BHP Law, Brewin Dolphin and Lycetts and we’re also very grateful for the support and advice from the County Durham Community Foundation.”
Small Steps Seize the Day, a charity started and run by mums that supports families with children with epilepsy, received a donation from the event and a grant worth more than £1,800 from the Shopping Extravaganza’s endowment fund held by County Durham Community Foundation.
Small Steps chair Debbie Simpson said: “We hold group sessions for families so they can meet other parents and children and share experiences, and we make activities like swimming and arts and crafts accessible. Importantly we also provide equipment like monitors so parents can ensure their child is safe at all times.”
RSVP North East, the retired senior volunteer programme, coordinates volunteering opportunities for more than 1,000 people who want to offer their time and skills, matching them with those who need help.
Development worker Angela Foster explained: "Our main project is providing transport but our volunteers also do hospital visiting, telephone befriending and go into schools to help with gardening projects, teach knitting and reading practice with the children."
Enter CIC helps talented young people who want to develop their skills and work in the arts sector, including as performers, technicians and set designers, by offering financial support towards auditions and interviews.
The charity supports 200 young people on a weekly basis and its centre in Ferryhill is open full time.
Andrea Flynn, of Enter CIC, explained: “We’ve had lots of success with young people going on to study performing arts at university and conservatoires so they’re gaining qualifications and accreditations as well as fulfilling a dream.”
Gateway Wheelers, based in Chester-le-Street, provides cycling instruction on special bikes for disabled children.
Brian Milner said: “Our old van, which we use for moving bikes between our two sites, went for its MoT just before the Shopping Extravaganza and didn't come back. This donation has gone straight into replacing it, in fact we just picked it up this morning."
Managing partner of loyal sponsor BHP Law, John Pratt, said: "The team behind the Durham Shopping Extravaganza do an amazing job every year. We're delighted to support the event and the very worthy causes it benefits."
Plans are already under way for the 2015 event, which will take place on October 14 and 15.
In-coming chair Nicky Swan said: "We're committed to holding the event at Ramside Hall for the next four years at least, which gives us a great platform on which to plan and sign up some amazing exhibitors.
"In order to continue moving the event forward and to raise more for local charities we need to increase our sponsorship to at least £10,000, so we'd love to hear from any businesses that would be interested in supporting us next year."
Nicky can be contacted at enquiries@durhamshoppingextravaganza.co.uk or on 07778 882277