CHARITY
Bill Scott OBE DL with The Shack, Ragworth
Q & A
Why being involved with The Teesside Charity matters
with BILL SCOTT OBE DL,
TRUSTEE OF THE TEESSIDE CHARITY
We sat down with Bill Scott OBE DL, a trustee of The Teesside Charity, to discuss the importance of supporting the cause...
Q: What inspired you to become a trustee of The Teesside Charity? Bill: I was fortunate to be one of the first patrons to support the charity when it formed in 2011. However, it wasn’ t until I was encouraged by fellow trustee Alisdair Beveridge to become a trustee that I joined. Looking back, I’ m incredibly grateful for that nudge, as I truly love being part of this journey as a trustee.
Q: Can you share a moment or experience with the charity that had a lasting impact on you? Bill: It must have been during a video shown at The Teesside Charity Annual Ball. The film told a heartbreaking story of two children being removed from their parents and placed into care. Just when it seemed all hope was lost, their grandfather stepped forward demanding that he would indeed bring the children up. The charity offered them a weeklong break in one of their caravans and the family had the time of their lives. In a room of 600 people, there wasn’ t a dry eye. It was very emotional.
Q: Why is it important for more people to get involved with The Teesside Charity? Bill: For 14 years, The Teesside Charity has provided a lifeline for young people, families, community groups, the homeless, those recovering from an addiction, the long-term unemployed and those living in poverty or living with a disability. Its key function is to provide social and economic opportunities that would not have existed in the area, whether that be through fuel or shopping vouchers, white goods, caravan holidays or funding for community initiatives. However, we cannot do this without the support of donors. Every penny counts and it’ s therefore imperative that people, where possible, support charities such as The Teesside Charity to help them continue their amazing work. By getting involved with The Teesside Charity, you’ re helping to ensure more people in the Tees Valley have the support they need.
Q: How can people support the charity, and what levels of involvement are available? Bill: Cash donations are always welcome, whether they are one-off payments or through one of the layered fundraising packages, which are:
Centurions: Centurions are regular charity supporters donating £ 20 or an amount of their choice to the charity every month.
Infant Hercules Charity Club: This level is for the smaller business, with an annual payment of £ 1,200 or £ 100 per month.
Patrons: Patrons make a considerable annual donation to the charity. Annual patronage is £ 6,000 for businesses and £ 3,500 for individuals.
Platinum Patrons: A group of successful businesses and high-net-worth individuals who are looking to support the community with a life-changing donation of £ 24,000 per annum.
Q: What are some of the different ways people can support or engage with the charity? Bill: There are so many ways to get involved with The Teesside Charity, whether that be volunteering, fundraising, supporting the Christmas Toy Appeal or attending an event. Every contribution makes a difference.
Q: What would you say to someone considering getting involved for the first time? Bill: My personal experience of working with The Teesside Charity is one of pride and joy, knowing I can be part of making a positive difference to so many people’ s lives. I wake up every day with a sense of purpose and fulfilment. Isn’ t that the kind of feeling we all want?
Q: Finally, if there’ s one message you’ d like people to take away from this piece, what would it be? Bill: I would ask every person to look in the mirror and think about who has helped them at some point in their lives. It’ s now time to step up and do something positive for your community and working with The Teesside Charity is one way of paying it forward.
To get involved with The Teesside Charity, please visit teessidecharity. org. uk / get-involved / or email diane. w @ teessidecharity. org. uk
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