VOLUNTEERS behind a charity shopping event in County Durham have smashed through the half a million pounds barrier after 30 years of dedicated fundraising.
The Durham Shopping Extravaganza has drawn to a close with the handover of £33,600 to the four principal beneficiaries from this year’s event, held in October.
After raising a record £35,000 at the event, at Ramside Hall Hotel, near Durham, a last-minute rally for donations from current, retired committee members and loyal supporters took
the grand total beyond £500,000.
Further donations will be made to additional charities in the new year, before the Durham Shopping Extravaganza is officially wound up.
The decision to call it a day was taken due to GDPR, changing shopping habits, venue restrictions and
anticipated decline in sponsorship.
Co-chairwoman Nicky Swan said: “All the money has been raised in County Durham and, critically, has been kept within the area, benefiting over 100 charities and, through them, countless
individuals across the county.”
The beneficiaries this year, which each received £8,400, included Utass (Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services). Emma Spry, of Utass, said: “It’s absolutely amazing, I can’t believe how much has been donated and it was lovely to be at the Durham Shopping Extravaganza and being part of it for two days.
“The money will go towards the services we provide for our 700 members in agriculture, including helping them with complex paperwork and providing internet access from our Middleton-in-Teesdale hub.”
