Hartlepool businesses give double boost to charity

Last year’s Hartlepool Business Awards included an opportunity for guests to make a donation.

Around 300 people attended the event at the Borough Hall in May where, as well as handing out awards to Hartlepool’s best businesses, the annual tradition is for money to be raised.

The night raised so much money that two nominated causes - Hartlepool & District Hospice and Lifeline - each received £750.

Representatives of both organisations met with awards co-ordinator Andrew Steel to pick up a cheque.

Lifeline works with people, families and communities to prevent and reduce harm, promote recovery and challenge the inequalities linked to alcohol and drug misuse.

It opened a charity shop in Victoria Road in January last year which is mainly run by a team of volunteers.

Spokesman Gill Dunn said: “Although the shop has only been opened for 18 months, it has proved to be a successful social enterprise and has the capacity to help service users to gain valuable skills and experience.

“We have welcomed the opportunity to work in partnership with local providers and the donation will support the Lifeline charity shop to flourish and continue offering volunteering opportunities and promoting recovery.”

Hospice fundraiser Greg Hildreth said: “We are very grateful for the support we receive from the Hartlepool Business Forum, and the generosity that everyone has shown.

“We get excellent support from the local business community and all the donations we receive will be used to fund the services that we provide for patients from hartlepool and the surrounding areas.”

Awards co-ordinator Andrew Steel said: “The awards was a successful night and the money could not go to two more worthy causes.”

He added: “We are very pleased to be able to support them in the running of their organisations.”

Mr Steel said details of next year’s awards would be revealed within the next month.

He said they would be posted both on social media and in the Hartlepool Mail.