Local entrepreneurs and businesses have helped a North-east primary school raise £2600 at a Dragon’s Den inspired fundraising event.
Longside Primary School in Peterhead welcomed five North-east Dragons as part of the school’s fundraiser inspired by the popular TV show, to help raise funds for resources and equipment to enhance the school’s activities.
During the event, the brave school kids pitched their ideas to the five dragons, in the hope of securing funding for their proposed equipment. All classes took part, pitching one idea per class, and secured a total of £2600, surpassing their orginal target of £750.
The five dragons included, Wendy Marr from Genesis Personnel, Charlie Clark from LJF Coating Ltd, Stuart Cowie from Cowie Seafoods, Scott Buchan from JBS Group and Sam Begg from ASCO.
The children successfully raised money for a number of items for the school, including painting easels, lego, Wii games, construction toys and a gym box. Further funds were also donated by Claymore Homes, Alan Davidson, Longside Driving School and AM Davidson Bookmakers.
Wendy Marr, managing director of Genesis Personnel, a leading North-east recruitment agency with offices in Aberdeen and Peterhead, and one of the participating dragons, said: “It was a pleasure being asked along to the primary school to take part in the Dragon’s Den fundraiser and help the school raise the funds required to further enhance its activities. Some really good ideas were produced by the pupils, and as you can imagine, the children made it very difficult for us dragons to say no! A fantastic amount was raised on the day which I’m sure will be put to good use.”
Ali Hynd, a member of the Parent Teacher Council and the organiser behind the fundraiser, said: “We wanted to do something a little different to raise funds this year and thought the Dragon’s Den concept would be a great idea to get some of the regions entrepreneurs involved. The pupils were originally aiming for a contribution of £750, so they did extremely well to achieve more from the dragons as well as other local businesses.
“The event has also been a great way to help teach the kids the value of money, as well as develop their presentation skills, and I’d like to thank those who took part, contributed or helped organise it. The kids had a lot of fun on the day and are very grateful for the help - they can’t wait to receive their goods.”
John Imlah, head teacher of Longside Primary School, added: “This was a great learning experience for the children who had to collaborate to devise a compelling pitch for their bid. It has also helped promote links with local business and we are overwhelmed by the generosity of the sponsors.”