Baby group appeals for help over fundraiser
A NEW Leeds charity which helps struggling families its bracing itself for a financial blow after poor tickets sales for their first major event.
Only 100 tickets have so far been sold for Leeds Baby Bank’s first anniversary ball, on Friday, and at this rate organisers fear they will be running the event at a loss.
They have now issued a lastditch appeal to the people of Leeds to get behind the event and support what has become a vital service in the city.
Chantal Nogbou, who cofounded the charity in January with Lynsey Jayes and Faye Freeman, said: “In order to raise awareness and funds we wanted to hold a ball, which initially was going to be organised for us.
“But through unforeseen circumstances we are doing it all ourselves.
“We have no experience in party planning and we do this all alongside our own full-time jobs as well as running Baby Bank and our own families.”
She added: “The ball will be our biggest event thus far and we risk being out of pocket if it isn’t a success – as funds will be used up to pay the costs rather than using it to buy baby equipment.”
The charity provides emergency food, nappies and equipment to vulnerable families with children up to the age of four who might be affected by issues such as domestic violence, benefit cuts, immigration, illness or disability. Based in Bramley, it has so far helped over 300 people.
The ball is at the Queen’s Hotel from 7pm, with a masquerade theme, and also includes a raffle and auction.