ONE of the region’s best-loved charities will mark 20 years of life-changing giving next week in the spectacular setting of Durham Cathedral. Over the past two decades County Durham Community Foundation has provided grants of around £30 million to more than 10,000 groups and individuals.
It makes donations on behalf of philanthropists and companies seeking to give something back to the community – and on Monday evening many of those it has helped will join VIP guests for a celebration of all it has achieved since 1995.
The Bishop of Durham, the Rt Rev Paul Butler, will lead the event, which will also feature contributions from Dean Michael Sadgrove, the Lord Lieutenant Sue Snowdon, and the foundation’s Chairman, Mark I’Anson.
But the real stars of the show will be the many beneficiaries present. Community groups including scouts and sports clubs will take part in an opening parade, led by Brancepeth Revellers Marching Band.
The event will also include contributions from Durham Miners Association Brass Band and young musicians and dancers the charity has funded over the years.
Chief Executive, Barbara Gubbins, said: “We’ve had big events before but nothing quite like this… it will be the pinnacle of the charity’s journey so far.
“It’s a celebration bringing together staff, donors and just a smattering of those we have been able to help for a spectacular parade and service.
“But none of what we have achieved would have been possible without our donors, so this is our chance to say a special thank you to them.”
The charity was founded by County Durham’s former Lord Lieutenant Sir Paul Nicholson and his predecessor David Grant.
They raised £1m to get it off the ground and persuaded Labour Party leader and Prime Minister-in-waiting Tony Blair to speak at the launch.
Mr Nicholson, the former Chief Executive of Vaux Breweries, remains President of the charity and his wife is a trustee.
He recalled: “The idea really started in America where community foundations had enabled people of relatively modest means to make a major contribution to their communities.
“We realised this was a need that wasn’t being met in County Durham and I think we can all take great pride in what has been achieved over the past 20 years.
“Durham is rated as one of the poorest counties in England, yet we have one of the best community foundations – that shows the generosity of its people.”
He added: “When I ran my company, we didn’t just give money to charity to make us feel good – we did it primarily to support the local community but also to raise our profile and to help shareholders by making the company more profitable.
“That principle still holds true today and I believe the excellent team we have is capable of doubling the amount of money we give out over the next 20 years.”
Projects backed by the foundation include initiatives to improve public health, education and training, the environment and parenting, as well as those aimed at reducing crime and anti-social behaviour.
Chairman Mark I’Anson said: “It is heart-warming that such a small county has been so generous in providing the means to help those who are delivering vital services and activities at a grassroots level.
“We are consciously looking at what difference we have made over that time and how we can take this forward in the next two decades.
“We hope that the success of initiatives such as Learning Working Earning, which provides employment opportunities for individuals, will be just the start of how we can help to regenerate families and the local economy.”
Barabara Gubbins (left) and Chairman Mark I’anson (right) at the Education Centre for Children with Down Syndrome in Newton Aycliffe with parents (l to r) Hayley Tolley and Lyndsey Clark and their children Jack and Lily.
