Derbion launches search for new charity partner

Derbion has begun a search for a charity partner for 2024 – and is inviting worthy causes to put themselves forward.

Following another successful year in 2023, the retail and leisure destination has announced that it is looking for a new charity for its ‘Derbion Cares’ initiative, which offers a regional charity the chance to receive 12 months of support through fundraising and awareness activities.

Last year, Derbion supported Children First Derby, which was selected as the centre’s charity of the year.

Over the 12 months, the charity received more than £6,000 from the centre’s fundraising efforts, as well as support across 18 events and initiatives.

Derbion offering Children First Derby free space in-centre, which allowed it to engage with the local community and increase awareness.

Centre staff also took part in a variety of fundraising events, including the Ramathon, which Derbion sponsors, and a 125-mile run, row, cycle and walk challenge.

Charities have until Wednesday 17 January to apply to become Derbion’s charity for 2024.

Once entries have closed, the Derbion Cares Committee will review all applications and select a charity to support throughout the year, with the successful applicant announced next month.

The committee will then work with the chosen organisation to devise a calendar of activities and ways to support it throughout the year.

Beth McDonald, managing director at Derbion, said: “As part of our ongoing commitment to the local community, we’re excited to support a new local charity through our Derbion Cares initiative, which offers direct support for one charity alongside our wider centre community commitments, in 2024.

“We’re dedicated to supporting our local community, so are looking for regional registered charities that provide support to the people of Derby and help the next generation build a better future – examples include, but are not limited to, education, employment, children services, mental health, health and social welfare.

“We’d love to hear from local charities that would welcome support and fundraising activity from Derbion throughout the year and look forward to once again supporting another fantastic charity in 2024.”

Louise Webb, Fundraising Coordinator at Children First Derby, said: “Working with Derbion over the past year has been a fantastic experience and we’re grateful for the huge amount of support we have received.

“It has been a pleasure to work with the Derbion team, who have consistently gone above and beyond to support Children First Derby, and we’d encourage any local charities that are interested the Derbion Cares initiative to apply in 2024.”

Applications close on Wednesday 17 January at 11pm. To find out more and to apply visit http://www.derbion.com/derbion-cares/ .