A Charity Ball in aid of the Oakland Foundation children’s charity is now only weeks away, with all funds raised from the event ploughed back into their local communities of Bromsgrove and Redditch.
Oakland Foundation Trustee, Hayley Smith, commented: “We’re overwhelmed by the support we’ve received via our sponsors and the many businesses who will join us for another fantastic evening of entertainment and fundraising in support of the Foundation.
“Tickets are available, and we’d love to have a sell-out event as all funds raised will be used to provide a range of initiatives and activities to support children under 16 and their families through educational, sports, and health and nutritional programmes.”
Founded six years ago by Redditch based food distribution company, Oakland International, the event is being held at the National Motorcycle Museum and Conference Centre, Birmingham on Friday 6th September 2019. Sponsors include SPAR UK, Calderhead Refrigerated Transport, Lorica Insurance Brokers, Perfect Personnel, Starkey Electrical, Supreme Systems and Oakland International.
The Oakland Foundation was set up with the aim of helping to reduce child poverty within Redditch and Bromsgrove. The latest figures from End Child Poverty (May 2019) state that today 30% of children in the UK are living in poverty and 67% of children in poverty have at least one parent in work. Currently over 31.8% of children in Redditch and over 22% of children in Bromsgrove living in poverty.
SPAR UK Supply Chain Controller Vinesh Patel, commented: “We’re delighted to be a sponsor and support such a fantastic charity as the Oakland Foundation. The work they undertake with organisations and groups who work with children and young people in the community is commendable.”
Looking forward, the Foundation is working to develop new links with more local schools and businesses, extend its match-funding partnerships and create new opportunities with the council and local community groups.
Educational and youth organisations supported by the Oakland Foundation include the Redditch Food Bank, YMCA, Mentor Link, Bromsgrove and Redditch schools, youth projects, sports clubs and Redditch Active Kitchen, which provides youth activity programmes and food during school holidays.