Charity fashion show boosts funds for disadvantaged children

Leeds former Deputy Lord Mayor Andrew Barker, was among the guests at the event for the Leeds Children’s Charity (LCC) which was held at the Marriott Hotel, Leeds. Every year the organisation boosts the quality of life for over 300 primary school students from the city’s most deprived areas with a five-day holiday in Silverdale Holiday Centre, near Carnforth.

 

The show, run in conjunction with Helen Sykes (Fashions), was compered by Deirdre Bounds, one of Britain’s most sought-after speakers. A former stand-up comedienne, Ms Bounds sold her volunteer travel firm i-to-i to FTSE 100 company First Choice Holidays.

 

Pauline McCombie, practice development manager at hlw’s offices in Park Place, Leeds, said: “We were so thrilled that the event was such a success and a fabulous night was had by all. It is a real pleasure to support such a worthwhile charity.

 

“Great thanks must go to the Marriott Hotel who provided the wonderful venue, Light Media who organised the lighting for the show and SAKS who supplied the guests’ goody bags. Without their generosity, we would not have been able to stage this event and raise funds for the LCC.”

 

Verlie McCann, chairman of Leeds Children’s Charity said: “We are immensely grateful to hlw for their fantastic support. The staff at the firm and Helen Sykes worked so hard in putting this event on, and the money raised will help greatly in securing another summer holiday for hundreds of Leeds children.”

 

Children supported by the charity – some of whom are in foster care - are from low-income homes and some act as full time unpaid carers for ill family members.

 

The charity needs to raise £80,000 to finance its activities each year and relies on additional backing from Leeds City Council. The fashion show was the latest in a series of fund-raising events hlw has staged to help the organisation, which included a chocolate making challenge last November, involving Garforth-based Thierry Dumouchel who has been voted Yorkshire Life’s Chef of the Year. 

           

Helen Sykes, which has been trading for 30 years, attracts male and female clientele from throughout Britain, through its extensive collection of casual separates, special occasion wear, evening wear, accessories and couture fashions, coupled with its attentive service.