The Yorkshire Garden Centres (YGC) group has proudly named Yorkshire Children’s Charity as its Charity of the Year for 2024. This decision, made by a unanimous team vote, marks the beginning of an inspiring partnership aimed at transforming the lives of disadvantaged children across Yorkshire.
A Commitment to Making a Difference
The Yorkshire Children’s Charity, established in 2022, is dedicated to improving the lives of children and young people facing challenges due to ill health, disability, or financial hardship.
The charity’s mission is to ensure no child or young person is left behind, enabling them to achieve their full potential and live fulfilling lives. This aligns perfectly with the values of the Yorkshire Garden Centres group.
Fundraising Efforts and Goals
YGC’s commitment to Yorkshire Children’s Charity will be manifested through a series of fundraising events and initiatives across its four garden centre locations in Tong, Tingley, Otley, and Bingley, as well as at Dean’s of York and Scarborough. The goal is to raise £20,000 for the charity, providing much-needed support to the children and families who benefit from its programs.
Events and Activities
The fundraising activities will include:
- Cycling Sportive: Organised by the group’s directors, this event will see participants cycling through the picturesque but challenging terrain of the Yorkshire Wolds.
- Three Peaks Walk: A sponsored walk taking on the three highest peaks in Yorkshire.
- Total Warrior Challenge: A grueling obstacle course designed to test endurance and teamwork.
- In-house Events: These include raffles, bake-off competitions, and collection boxes at tills across all YGC sites.
The fundraising kicked off with a remarkable 85k cycle ride in the Yorkshire Wolds, where 18 cyclists raised £4,600 for the charity.
Leadership and Vision
The Charity of the Year initiative is spearheaded by YGC’s People and Culture team. Group People and Culture Manager, Steph Harrison, expressed the group’s enthusiasm:
“Yorkshire Children’s Charity helps children be who they want to be and get where they want to go. We’re very proud to support the great work that they do.”
Charlotte Farrington, CEO and Founder of Yorkshire Children’s Charity, also shared her excitement:
“We are continuously blown away by the strength of the Yorkshire brand and our ability as a region to come together to do the right thing for children and young people who need our help. To find a partner in Yorkshire Garden Centres who so clearly aligns with our vision and mission is just fantastic.”
Impact of Yorkshire Children’s Charity
The charity focuses on both immediate and long-term solutions. Through its grant-giving arm, it alleviates the immediate pressures faced by disadvantaged children and their families.
In the long term, it aims to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty through targeted intervention projects. This holistic approach ensures children and young people not only survive but thrive, growing into empowered individuals capable of meeting their potential.
Historical Success of YGC Fundraising
Since the acquisition of Tong Garden Centre in 2015, YGC has raised over £80,000 for various charities. Past beneficiaries of their Charity of the Year initiative include:
- Yorkshire Air Ambulance
- Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice
- Luke’s Lads
- Butterflies Mental Health
- The Cellar Trust
- Candlelighters
- National Literacy Trust
Additionally, YGC supports hundreds of smaller local charities through its Kindness Pot initiative, demonstrating a sustained commitment to community support.
About Yorkshire Garden Centres Group
The Yorkshire Garden Centres group comprises the Tong, Tingley, Otley, and Bingley Garden Centres, along with Dean’s York and Scarborough. Otley and Bingley Garden Centres, formerly known as Stephen H Smith’s, were acquired by YGC in 2022. The group’s dedication to charity and community involvement underscores its role as a pillar of support within the Yorkshire region.
How to Contribute
To contribute to Yorkshire Garden Centres’ fundraising efforts for Yorkshire Children’s Charity, please visit this link.
