Innovative fundraiser inspired by popular Dragons’ Den reality TV show to help 5 Highland charities
A fundraiser inspired by the popular reality TV show, Dragons’ Den, is set to benefit five Highland charities.
The Dragons’ Charity Den will enable the selected charities to pitch their missions to a panel of generous ‘dragons’ who are ready to offer support and funding.
It is being organised by the Elsie Normington Foundation which is behind the specialist Haven Centre for children and young people with severe, profound and multiple learning disabilities, which opened in Inverness last year.
The novel fundraiser has already been given a £10,000 boost by Macleod Roofing which is calling on other local businesses to support the dinner which will be held on April 25.
The other charities involved will be announced in the new year.
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Elizabeth Mackintosh has been patron of the foundation, founded by disability campaigner and author Elsie Normington in 2013, for the past three years.
Mrs Mackintosh said the dinner will raise money not just for the Elsie Normington Foundation but also five local charities which might not otherwise have access to funding.
“Charities will have the opportunity to put their case forward to our panel of ‘Dragons’ who will decide how the money will be divided up,” she said.
“Macleod Roofing has kindly started this off with a very generous £10,000 donation. “We are so grateful for their support, and hope that other businesses in the area will follow their example and support great local causes.”
Sandy Macleod, managing director of Macleod Roofing, described the foundation’s work for people and families in the north of Scotland as “extraordinary” and said the company was proud to support it in its mission to provide vital facilities in Inverness
“Both Elizabeth and Elsie are true inspirations, dedicating their time and efforts to make a difference in our community,” he said.
“At Macleod Roofing, we believe that supporting local charities not only strengthens the fabric of our community but also fosters a sense of connection and belonging.
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“By investing in our neighbours, we can tackle the unique challenges we face together and create sustainable solutions that benefit everyone.
“For this reason, I’m calling on other local businesses to join the Elsie Normington Foundation in this important mission.
“When we come together to support local causes, we can amplify our efforts and drive meaningful change in the Highlands.”
Mrs Normington, whose son Andrew was diagnosed with a severe and intractable form of epilepsy when he was just four years old, realised the need for specialist services and facilities for children and young people in similar situations, and their families.
Along with team of dedicated trustees, staff and volunteers, she spearheaded a 10-year campaign to raise over £4 million to turn her dream into a reality.
The Haven Centre, Scotland’s first multi-purpose centre for children and young people with severe learning disabilities, comprises a specialist play centre run by its partners, SNAP. It also includes three respite suites and a community cafe.
Mrs Normington said she was looking forward to the Dragons’ Charity Den.
“We decided to think out of the box to deliver a new fundraising event and came up with the Dragon’s Den format,” she said.
“This event will not only benefit the Elsie Normington Foundation but also other local charities, who will pitch to the dragons for a share of the prize pot. Each charity taking part will receive a share of the prize pot.
“We are very excited to be launching this event and look forward to working with our sponsors and partners in the coming months to orchestrate an unforgettable event, which will not only provide a funding boost to the charities involved but also greater awareness of these fantastic local charities who do so much good in our local community.”
For more information about the Elsie Normington Foundation’s Dragons’ Charity Den, visit Dragons Charity Den.
