Befriend a Child's Golden Ticket Ball, which took place last on May 19, 2023, raised £35,000 for local children the charity supports across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
Guests were immersed in a world of pure imagination, with the charity going all out with their Willy Wonka theme. Mark Cameron Dance entertained attendees with energetic performances and the event was hosted by ‘Willy Wonka’ himself, the incredibly talented performer Kevin Littlejohn from Right Here Productions.
The evening was hosted at The Chester Hotel and supported by Platinum sponsor WM Donald and silver sponsor Ethos Energy.
Sarah Misra, CEO at Befriend a Child said: "Fundraising events such as The Golden Ticket Ball are essential to ensuring we are able to provide much needed support to disadvantaged children across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. We are delighted about the sum raised on Friday and we couldn't have done it without our fantastic sponsors, guests and supporters who all contributed to making the evening incredible."
The charity's waitlist for its services is ever-growing and the £35,000 raised on the night will fund 24 places within the charity's 1:1 befriending programme for children experiencing challenging life circumstances.
The ball saw volunteer befriender, Garry Sturrock, share his inspiring experience of befriending with the charity. Having volunteered since 2015, Garry has supported two befrendees during his time with the organisation. His emotional speech highlighted the difference he has made to the lives of both children and how befriending has positively impacted his life.
Befriend a Child supports children and young people living in difficult life circumstances across Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire through 1:1 and group befriending and mentoring programmes and projects. Over the years Befriend a Child's provision of programmes and projects has grown and today the charity supports approximately 250 children annually.
Children can be referred to Befriend a Child for several reasons such as a lack of confidence or self-esteem, social isolation, lack of a positive role model and substance misuse in the family.
Jean Gordon, Head of Operations at Befriend a Child said: "Through our 1:1 support and group activities we aim to build new life skills and increase confidence and self-esteem. Through providing a positive adult role model, our befrienders help to reduce social isolation and improve the overall wellbeing and quality of life of the children and young people we support."
To find out how you too could support Befriend a Child by fundraising or volunteering simply visit www.befriendachild.org.uk
or email info@befriendachild.org.uk.