A north-east children’s charity hopes to raise thousands of pounds at one of its largest fundraising events to help provide friendship and support for vulnerable young people.
Befriend a Child will host its annual Big Kids Ball at Ardoe House Hotel and Spa on Friday, February 24 from 7pm to 1am.
Organisers anticipate strong demand for tickets for the evening following a successful ‘Night at a Circus’ themed event earlier this year which saw more than 300 guests raise £50,000 for the charity.
Tables for the 2017 Big Kids Ball are now available to book and are priced at £750 for a table for ten.
Jackie Hothersall, CEO of Befriend a Child, is looking forward to the 2017 fundraiser which promises to be a big hit with guests with live music and entertainment provided throughout the night.
She said: “The annual Big Kids Ball is a firm fixture in not only our calendar but lots of our supporters too and we are delighted to be able to bring our guests another exciting event which will be a fantastic night for all.
“Each year we continue to be amazed by the generosity of our supporters and hope to continue working with them to deliver the best possible services to children across the north-east.”
Befriend a Child have been supporting children and young people in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire for more than 40 years.
The need for the 1:1 befriending support they offer is in demand more than ever before with 18% of local children living in poverty and 66% of befriended children living within what is considered to be one of the most deprived areas in Scotland.
There are currently 50 children waiting for a befriender with many more being refereed on a weekly basis.
The fundraising annual ball, alongside other fundraising events throughout the year, allows the charity to continue working in the community as well as developing a growth plan to help other children and young people who are in need in the Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire area.
Income from the annual Big Kids Ball will allow the organisation to recruit a new support worker which will in turn allow them to support up to 35 more children.
It is estimated to cost £2,300 to support one befriending relationship for a year. As the organisation now supports more than 300 children and young people each year recruitment is essential.
The charity can also use the money to pay for a new mentoring in schools project which is currently being piloted in Inverurie and Peterhead with plans to expand and work in the city. For more information about Befriend a Child, please visit: www.befriendachild.org.uk
To buy tickets for the Big Kids Ball, please contact Katie Watters at Befriend a Child on 01224 210060 or email k.watters@befriendachild.org.uk