The Business Exchange Swindon & Wiltshire Edition 46: Dec/Jan 2019 | Page 46

POSITIVE BUSINESS YOUTH ADVENTURE TRUST CALLS FOR CORPORATE PARTICIPANTS IN 10 PEAKS CHALLENGE The Swindon-based Youth Adventure Trust is encouraging local businesses to take part in its 2020 Brecon Beacons 10 peaks challenge – an event that is sponsored by Ellis Brigham, the retailer of mountain sports equipment. Anyone interested in joining the challenge on Saturday 13th June next year should get together a team of four to six. The charity says that, in participating, you will help improve the lives of young people in the local area. The Youth Adventure Trust uses the ‘power of the outdoors’ to transform the lives of vulnerable young people in Swindon and Wiltshire, enabling every young person it works with to have the opportunity to fulfil their potential. Its three-year programme combines consistent mentoring, guidance and support with outdoor adventure activities and helps young people to build resilience and develop the hope, confidence and skills they need to face the challenges in their lives. There is an ever-increasing need for its services and in 2019 an additional 40 young people from Swindon and Wiltshire joined the programme. But this wouldn’t be possible without the support of individuals and local businesses. The 10 peaks challenge involves scaling 10 peaks in 10 hours in the Brecon Beacons. It is demanding, exhilarating and a great team building opportunity for colleagues. A participant in the 2019 event said, “It was indeed a challenging day, but I’d just like to highlight how much we enjoyed ourselves. We all agreed that the day was really well coordinated.” Mark Brigham, Marketing Director for Ellis Brigham Mountain Sports added, “From my side, it was a fantastic event to be involved in and support. Thanks to The Youth Adventure Trust for creating such a valuable fundraising event.” For more information or to register your interest, contact Philippa on 07956 934 100 or [email protected] Great Gatsby Gala Ball raises funds for children in poverty On Saturday 9th November, Business against Poverty held its annual fundraising gala ball at the Bailbrook House Hotel in Bath. The event was in aid of People against Poverty, a Melksham based charity which supports disadvantaged children and communities across the globe. Although the theme of the ball was the Great Gatsby, there was little regard for prohibition as guests were treated to dinner, plenty of wine and a fun-filled evening with local business providing the entertainment. A casino experience and DJ followed the evening’s main event - the annual live auction. All prizes were donated by Business against Poverty members and local businesses and included a private plane adventure, executive helicopter ride, an original artwork by Maria van-Tintelen and a Jewellery workshop experience donated by Nicholas Wylde Goldsmith of Bath, who doubled the prize when two bidders reached £1,000. The evening was made possible through the generosity of members and local businesses sponsoring the event. Chippendale and Clark Accountants and Ali Stewart & Co leadership coaching were headline sponsors with Action Coach and Celia Lansley sponsoring the wine and photography respectively. Bailbrook House provided the room and staff for the evening free of charge and guests were surprised and delighted when the Singing Waiters burst 46 www.tbeswindonandwilts.co.uk into a chorus of ‘That’s Amore!’ The charity also made a presentation and bid a heartfelt farewell to Wayne McMaster of Zeke Creative who had given so much of his time as trustee to the charity over the last 15 years. Valerie Huxley, Chief Executive Officer of People against Poverty, said, “I am always amazed by the generosity of our Business against Poverty members and other local businesses. The funds raised will enable us to support hundreds of children worldwide at a time when they need it most.” For more info: www.businessagainstpoverty.com