A CHARITY fundraising group have handed out a record amount of money to Teesdale good causes this year thanks to “increased awareness and donations” .
Barnard Castle-based charity, The Clique, has distributed cash totalling £16,500 to individuals, clubs and groups in Teesdale this year, the most it’s ever given out in its 45 year history.
At a special presentation evening at Barnard Castle’s Workingmen’s Club on Saturday, November 30, the group, handed over cheques to 17 different groups.
Clique chairman Matthew Croom thanked everyone for going along and outlined the various fundraising events the group had organised, which included bed-pushes, sportsmen’s evenings, cricket matches as well as an annual It’s a Knockout competition.
Roger Peat, from Barnard Castle Christmas lights committee, presented the cheques and paid tribute to the 22-strong fundraising group’s efforts.
He said: “The town is so lucky to have such a unique group of people that not only give continued great financial help, but also practical and emotional support where needed to so many individuals and organisations. All this done with a smile and a great feeling of camaraderie.”
By far the largest cheque of £2,750 was handed over to the newly formed ManHealth group which will go towards with running costs.
TODYS were also given a bumper donation of £2,290 that will be spent on the group attending a Christmas panto.
The Wesley Park play area fundraising group, from Middleton-in-Teesdale, were handed a cheque of £680 to help fund new equipment. Teesdale Special Olympics also received £680 to help fund training. Barnard Castle Scouts were given £600 which helped send yoiungsters to a meeting in Holland.
Cheques of £500 were given out to Barnard Castle sporting groups including the bowling club, football club, boxing club, table tennis club, rugby club, gymnastics, cricket club, Tiger Shark swimming club and Bowes football club.
Teesdale Day Clubs, Middleton and Teesdale Silver Band and Barnard Castle Band were also given cheques of £500.
And although the evening was all about handing out money, the Clique lads couldn’t help themselves – A four ball golf game at Ramside Hall, donated by Rob Dominick at the Black Horse, was auctioned and raised another £160.
