Charities pitch in with bid for dragons’ cash

A DRAGONS Den-style event saw charities given money for schemes to benefit the community.

It was organised by the Rotary Club of Macclesfield Castle and five worthy causes were selected from a list of 11 to make pitches for up to £800.

They had 10 minutes to show how their project would have a direct impact on the community via a Zoom presentation.

In the dragons seats were Rotarian Keith Dobson, and residents Valerie Herbert and David Earl.

Money was handed to Macclesfield Parish Church Scout and Guide Group for external storage to increase internal space for activities.

Macclesfield Male Voice Choir were awarded funding towards increasing accessibility to bring their events to a wider group of people.

The Rossendale Trust secured cash towards the provision of Nintendo consoles for adults with learning difficulties.

The Disability Information Bureau was given money for mobile phones for members of their welfare team working from home.

And East Cheshire Hospice was awarded funding to help organise its annual Christmas Run.

Rotary Club president Chris Watson said: “We organise many events to raise funding.

“We receive wonderful support from local people at these events.

“Along with most fundraising groups, the opportunity to fundraise has been severely curtailed during the pandemic.

“We are keen to use . some of the money that we have been able to raise to support local charities towards achieving their projects.

“In addition to funding, we are also keen to offer our time, skills and effort to work with others in the local community.”

Dragon chairperson Keith Dobson said: “The presentations were all superb. It was difficult to choose between such worthy causes.

“Together the presentations gave an insight into the tremendous activity of local Macclesfield charities.”

The event was organised by Jim Richardson, Brian

Reader and the community service committee.