FUNDRAISERS have come together at an annual charity golf day to raise crucial funds for a child protection charity. Around 80 golfers across 20 teams teed off as part of this year’s event at the Vale Resort in South Wales, raising £13,000 for the NSPCC, which relies on public donations for 90% of its funding.
The event, which included an auction and charity dinner, was organised by the family owned home-furnishings retailer, Leekes, and hosted at its Vale Resort in Hensol.
Rhian Griffiths from Leekes says: “The Leekes Retail charity golf day was back with huge success in 2021. After multiple postponements, it was great to finally get together and raise a significant amount of money to help the charity’s work in Wales.
“Everyone at the event was appreciative of how difficult this period has been for children and young people and so they were pleased to support and were as generous as ever.
“We raised £13,000 for the NSPCC and a great day was had by all teams, with an auction taking place during the evening with our suppliers generous in both providing and bidding for prizes. We’d like to give a massive thank you to all of our suppliers who attended and helped support this very worthy cause and we are already looking forward to next year.”
Leekes, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary next year, and the Vale Resort also donated prizes to the raffle.
Supporter Fundraising Manager for NSPCC Cymru/Wales, Emma Brennan says: “We are so delighted to see our fundraisers back on the fairway and having lots of fun while helping to make a difference to the lives of children and young people.
“The Leeke family is incredible at getting people involved. Their enthusiasm and energy is inspiring and as well as fundraising events at their stores, their friends and family members often take on challenge events like marathons, The Great North Run, and The Snowdon Moonlight Challenge.”
The Leeke family and the team across the Leekes Retail & Lesiure Group, which includes the Vale Resort and their new venture the Hensol Castle Distillery, are firm supporters of the NSPCC. Since the family first became supporters in 2009, they have raised more than £300,000 for the NSPCC, hosting gala balls, golf days, and dinners.
Emma Leeke, who trekked in Nepal and climbed to base camp Everest in aid of NSPCC, also sits on the charity’s Wales Appeal Board – with the four Appeals Emma has been involved in raising over £14m for the NSPCC in Wales.
Emma Brennan added: “Every day we’re inspired by children, but no matter how strong and adaptable they are, they shouldn’t have to cope alone. We’re here for children around the clock, with the help of our supporters like Leekes, through our Childline service as well as the virtual safeguarding assemblies that we offer all primary schools across Wales for free.
“The money raised by all those who supported this charity golf day will help our charity continue its vital work helping to keep children and young people safe.”
Every £4 raised for the NSPCC could help a trained volunteer Childline counsellor answer a call from a worried or frightened child or young person. Anyone interested in becoming a fundraising volunteer with the NSPCC or finding out more about joining the charity’s new fundraising initiative, Childline Club Cymru, can contact Rosey Stonehouse via [email protected] or 029 2167 1569.
The virtual Speak out. Stay safe. assemblies that feature Ant and Dec, support children to feel empowered – knowing they have the right to speak out and be heard, be safe, and get help when they need it. Primary schools can sign up to the assemblies for free: learning.nspcc.org.uk/services/speak-out-stay-safe
Children can contact Childline 24/7 on 0800 11 11 or via childline.org.uk where 1-2-1 online chats can be requested.
Anyone with any concerns about the welfare of a child can call the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or visit nspcc.org.uk for advice.
