Newcastle jingle bell walk, Gosforth reindeer run, a peace conference and more
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Jingle Bell walk through Newcastle for childhood cancer research
What: Charity walk in aid of childhood cancer research. From Newcastle Civic Centre to Millenium Bridge Quayside. The Jingle Bell Walk is in aid of Chris Lucas Trust, creating awareness of Children’s Cancer and to raise money to help find a cure for cancer. We don’t believe in miracles but believe we can make a difference.
When: Thursday 30th November 2017.
Where: Civic Centre, Barrass Bridge beside Christmas tree.
Organised by: Chris Lucas Trust.
More info: www.jinglebellwalk.co.uk
Founder Juliet Sanders said: “We are a group of local people who have come together through social media to feed families at Christmas. We match people who want to give to a family that needs help and then personally deliver their hamper just before Christmas.
“You can join us on Facebook or email feedingfamiliesne@gmail.com.
“Last year my husband and I did this together on a very small scale and found a lady who had wrapped up empty boxes for her children and then made a game of it because she had nothing to give them. People in the North East want to help.”
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Newcastle general secretary Muzaffar Ahmed said: “Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Newcastle held a peace conference on 5th of November. This peace conference was to enable an understanding perspective of Islam against extremism, and roles you can play to overcome challenges caused by distress in society.
There were 150 guests including Cath Davis, chairman of North Tyneside Council, Andii Bowsher, Chaplain Northumbria University and the key speaker Mr. Ata ul Mujeeb Rashid, missionary incharge of Ahmadiyya Muslim Association UK. Councillors from Tyne and Wear and other notable guests from different cultures backgrounds societies and organisations.
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK is engaged in different charitable and voluntarily works raising funds for charities, helping in floods relief efforts, street cleaning, tree planting, however we think this is our social responsibility to bring all communities and neighbourhood together to understand and work towards achievement of peace in the world.”
A feelgood alternative to Black Friday, Ethical Superstore is offering shoppers the chance to make a real difference by pledging to donate items to Newcastle Foodbank for every order over £30 from Tuesday 21 November until midnight on Tuesday 28 November.
Located in Gateshead but with a UK-wide presence, the site is known for its extensive range of ethical alternatives to household and grocery products. 2017 will mark the third year of the successful campaign which has seen over 3,700 items worth £4,000 donated to date.
Newcastle Foodbank in the city’s West End is the largest in the UK, serving in excess of 1,000 people a week – 500 of which are children – and distributing half of £1m a year.
For orders exceeding £30, Ethical Superstore will donate goods that have been specifically chosen by the food bank, including essentials such as pasta, sauces, toilet paper and soap. As an additional incentive, 20% discount will be available off everything for a limited time only, between the selected dates.
Raising money for: North East cancer charity FACT (Fighting All Cancers Together) is appealing for hats, fascinators and wigs, as wedding season comes to an end.
The charity is appealing for donations in the hope that now wedding season and ladies day events are over for another year, the public will kindly donate their glamorous accessories to a great cause; helping those who need an extra confidence boost while they are undergoing treatment.
Joanne Smith, founder and chief executive of FACT said: “Hair loss can be an extremely upsetting side affect of some treatments, and something which can be an embarrassing subject for lots of people. At FACT, you can find the style that suits you, ask questions and know that you are surrounded by people who understand what you are going through.”
Wigs, hats and fascinators may be distributed through the FACT centre in Gateshead or circulated to the charity’s shops around the region. Proceeds from the sales will go towards
funding new services including ‘Being Mam and Dad’ and ‘Kids with Cancer.’
Reindeer run in Gosforth
Raising money for: Smile For Life Children’s Charity
PR Manager for Smile For Life Children’s Charity Frankie Rusby said: “North East families can embrace the festive spirit by taking on a charity Reindeer Run.
Smile For Life’s Christmas event will include an inflatable obstacle course, Santa’s Grotto, stalls and refreshments at Coxlodge Community Association, Gosforth .
“It will be held on Saturday December 9th, 2-5pm, and will raise funds to help support disabled and disadvantaged young people in the region. Tickets cost £10 per child. Children must be accompanied by one adult, who run free. Call the Smile For Life office 0191 2844166 for tickets or more information.
“For more information about the charity and the event, head to their website , follow them on Twitter or on Facebook .
Christmas shopping extravaganza in Hartlepool
Raising money for: Hartlepool Special Needs Support Group
Team member of core fundraising team Sam Gretton said: “Christmas shopping extravaganza at AVenue, Lauder Street, Hartlepool on Saturday 2nd December 11am-4pm, £2 entry.
“60 stalls from throughout the North East selling handmade items, gifts, cakes, personalised cards etc. Santas grotto. Choirs and singers performing throughout the day from 11:30am-3:30pm
AVenue Cafe open providing refreshments throughout the day including Christmas lunches. We are a team of dedicated staff and volunteers who work for the group throughout the year, we set up our fundraising group in 2014 since then we have raised over £29,000 for our group through a number of different events including setting up a regular team of GNR runners.”
Blyth dance school danced and donated to Children in Need
Raising money for: Children In Need
Dance mam Lisa Keenan said: “Local dance school from Blyth, ‘Aspirations with Nicole’ danced in pjs and brought ‘pennies for pudsey’ on Thursday 16th November to raise funds for children less fortunate than themselves.”
Heaton church group provides coats for children
Raising money for: COATS4KIDS
Supporter Margaret Moran said: “A project set up by Julia Lawton at the Elim Church in Heaton. Collects new winter coats for children whose families are unable to provide them with one. This simple idea has been slowly rolling out across the country. At this time of austerity and the rolling out of Universal Credit, many children are in dire of a warm coat. I read an article in The Journal three years ago about how children were going without a winter coat. It struck me that there were quite a few people who might not need all of their
winter fuel payments, and might be persuaded to provide warmth for a child instead.
“My friends and family have been hugely supportive and this year we raised enough money to buy 58 coats, and lots of hats, scarves and gloves.
“The COATS4KIDS team, led by Julia Lawton, have links with schools in the area who put them in touch with the families that need help with coats for their children and young people. The children go to the church to select a coat they like.”
Fundraising success at family fun day in Newcastle
Raising money for: Marie Curie Hospice
A family fun day in Newcastle has raised more than £7000 for Marie Curie.
Simi Ali held the event in memory of her husband Syed Asif Ali, who had been cared for at the Marie Curie Hospice, Newcastle.
Syed’s birthday is on October 30 so the family thought it would be a nice way of celebrating his life with friends and family around.
His loved ones gathered at St James & St Basil’s Church Hall in Fenham on 22nd October where there were games, food stalls and entertainment for everyone to enjoy.
“I was overwhelmed by the support and solidarity of friends and family who selflessly dedicated their time to raise funds for a very special cause.
“Credit is also due to our community who helped make the event a success by their support.”
The event raise a grand total of £7700 for Marie Curie, and will go towards offering care and support to patients and families living with a terminal illness.
Young carers team take part in anti-bullying activities in North Tyneside
Research carried out by the Carers Trust in 2016 revealed that young carers are more likely to report being bullied than their peers; with a direct link between the bullying and their caring role.
The Anti-Bullying Alliance highlights the issues surrounding bullying throughout the year by encouraging children, teachers and parents to take action against bullying.
Each year a full week is dedicated to anti bullying and this year North Tyneside Carers’ Centre got fully behind the theme, All Different, All Equal.
The aim of the Anti-Bullying Alliance is to empower children and young people to think about and celebrate what makes them unique, valued, equal, included and to empower them to feel free to be themselves, without the fear of being bullied.
Similarly, professionals working with young people are encouraged to be aware of bullying; the devastation it causes and to help create environments where children can feel safe.
As part of Anti Bullying Week the Young Carers’ Team at North Tyneside Carers’ Centre organised a number of activities to highlight bullying among young carers.
At the Centre’s Well Being Group, young people were asked to put toothpaste back into the tube once it had been emptied! This impossible task highlighted the pain that can be caused by cruel words which cannot be taken back, no matter how much the person who said them may wish to.
Members of the Young Carers’ Team took the ‘All Different, All Equal’ theme extremely seriously by sporting odd socks to work during the week!
Lifeboat Christmas fair success in Newbiggin
Volunteer Lifeboat press officer Richard Martin said: “The sunny but cold weather did not deter the many supporters for the Newbiggin Lifeboat Christmas Fair on Sunday, November 19, which took place in the boathouse. Hot drinks and cake all round, along with the tombola, bric-a-brac sale were very popular and promenade collections with the furry team of ‘Santa’s Little Helpers’ brought a unique approach for donations on the busy afternoon.
“Many thanks to everyone who supported the Newbiggin Lifeboat Fundraising team on the day as well as those who donated and baked for the event. After counting up today over £1000 was raised with further money still to come in. The Christmas raffle was also a great success and whilst a few of the prizes have been claimed further details of the winners are posted outside the boathouse and in local shops.
“The final fundraiser for December is the Boxing Day Dip on December 26, registration before 10.30am ready for the Dip at 11am. People raising funds for other charities are welcome to take part in our event.
“For more details and how to get a registration form please contact 01670 817320 or email newbiggin@rnli.org.uk Further information on this event will be advertised early in December.”
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