Family firm gives £40k to circus with a mission
AFAMILY-OWNED Rochdale business has donated more than £40,000 to a travelling circus which provides performances for disabled, disadvantaged or vulnerable children and their parents.
Swansway Motor Group, which owns Swansway Honda Rochdale on Queensway, gave its latest donation of £4,320 to notfor-profit organisation Circus Starr, which it has been supporting since January 2016.
Swansway Honda Rochdale director, David Smith, said: “Since the beginning of 2016, we’ve been donating £20 to Circus Starr for each car we sell on the Motability scheme – that’s the cost of one child and their parent or carer going to a Circus Starr performance.
“The number of cars sold on the Motability scheme in the final quarter of 2018 has led to our largest ever quarterly donation to Circus Starr of £4,320.
“This means we can help more children attend a Circus Starr performance, which is so much more than a trip to the circus – it can be life-changing.”
Swansway donated almost £14,500 to Circus Starr in 2018, bringing the total donation given to the group, which provides £1.3 million-worth of free tickets to children, families and community groups a year, to more than £40,000.
The car company has also committed to continue its support throughout 2019.
David added: “I’m a dadof-three myself and every time I come along to support Circus Starr I’m humbled by the experience they give these children and their families.
“Seeing how much the children enjoy it, their smiles – and their families’ smiles – is very emotional for me as a dad and I’m so proud that our family business is helping the Circus Starr team make a real difference for other families.”
Circus Starr fundraising team trainer, Simone Unett, said: “It’s hard to put into words just how much we value Swansway’s support.
“One in 20 children are born with a disability, 4.5 million children are living in poverty and would simply never have the opportunity to see a live performance.
“Circus Starr allows the whole family to share a truly magical experience, free of any worries, knowing their needs will be met and their senses wowed.
“It’s a place where families, who too often miss out on fun can relax, be themselves and feel included.”
‘It’s hard to put into words how much we value Swansway’s support’