"Our furniture enterprise not only raises vital funds for the charity, but it gives employment skills to disabled learners, including retail and customer service. "
Jackie Snape, Disability Action Chief Executive
Disability Action Yorkshire has been given an unexpected and welcome boost from a “chair-ity” evening in Harrogate.
The Hornbeam Park organisation – which runs a furniture enterprise – was asked to supply six chairs for the High Sheriff of North Yorkshire’s Dragons’ Den event staged by Two Ridings, at Rudding Park Hotel.
A select number of good causes were invited to “pitch” for investment from high profile business people - Frances Dodd, Charlie Forbes Adam, Nigel Tapley, Richard Menage, Mark Granger of Carter Jonas and Peter Grant.
The event was hosted by Rudding Park Hotel owner Simon Mackannes, with Chris Legard, Two Ridings’ trustee and former High Sheriff of North Yorkshire, acting as Master of Ceremonies.
Linda Fenwick, the current High Sheriff of North Yorkshire, presented the awards.
In total, more than £34,000 was awarded to six organisations including Harlow Friendship Group and Supporting Older People.
Whilst Disability Action Yorkshire was not earmarked to receive an award it was given £500 for providing the chairs – which had been refurbished by learners – and another £400 when the chairs were auctioned.
Jackie Snape, Disability Action Chief Executive, said: “We would like to thank Two Ridings for involving us in their ‘Dragons Den’ event.
“Our furniture enterprise not only raises vital funds for the charity, but it gives employment skills to disabled learners, including retail and customer service.
“A number of learners work ‘restoring’ pieces of furniture, including the six dragons’ chairs, which are always quick to sell. It was fantastic that they were auctioned at the end of the evening, and we are grateful to all those who purchased them.”
Further information about Disability Action Yorkshire is available from its website, https://www.disabilityactionyorkshire.org.uk/
