BUSINESS
Michelle and her team are fundraising to make sure no one has to choose between heating and eating this winter .
BOND
BY GRAEME ANDERSON
Charity puts down new foundations in exciting partnership with Wear Business publishers
County Durham Community Foundation has partnered with Wear Business and sister magazine Tees Business in a bid to raise profile and funds for charities across the region over the course of the next year .
And the link-up could hardly be better timed , with the foundation having just launched its Poverty Hurts Appeal in a major drive to bring much-needed relief to individuals and communities struggling under the twin hits of the Covid-19 pandemic and economic hardship .
Martin Walker , director of Resolution Media and Publishing , which publishes both magazines , said : “ We are delighted to partner with County Durham Community Foundation .
“ Supporting local charities has been a big part of what our magazines are all about and we couldn ’ t find a better partner than the foundation because County Durham is their heartland but they also support Wearside and do important charity work in Teesside too .
“ The foundation ’ s new Poverty Hurts Appeal is such an important campaign too for the region and we ’ re hoping businesses and business leaders in our magazines ’ circulation areas will give it their full support .”
Michelle Cooper , chief executive of the foundation , launched the Poverty Hurts Appeal in response to devastating statistics around child poverty and fuel poverty in the region .
She wants fundraisers and businesses to show determination , resilience and true grit in raising money for North-East charities – the same qualities she has displayed herself in a remarkable personal fight-back against illness .
A post-operation complication caused Michelle to suffer a stroke and lose the use of her legs earlier this year .
In a second blow , she was then diagnosed with cancer , and underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy , but having undergone extensive treatment she learned to walk again and returned to her ‘ dream job ’ at the helm of the foundation .
Michelle said : “ To say it has been a tough year has been an understatement but going through this has just strengthened my resolve to see our region reduce poverty and thrive again .
“ I keep thinking how much worse it would have been if my family were relying on a food bank or couldn ’ t afford our heating bills .
“ There are so many people fighting their own battles but if we stick together we can
20