Charity support

Forward Ladies has its own charitable account -although as you know, we are not a charity! However, we wanted to support local grass roots organisations which are often overlooked when the national charities are doing their very worthwhile, professional fundraising. We donate small amounts to those local organisations where the Ladies can make a real difference to people's lives. We would love to hear from anyone who would like to support organisations, but in the meantime we have donated cash to:

"After Adoption" - we donated money to decorate the room where families reunite. This was suggested by Forward Lady Margaret Fiddes, who was re-united with a sister who did not even know she existed. They met for the first time at the offices of After Adoption Yorkshire at Castle Grove in Headingley – a lovely Victorian Villa in nice grounds, but the inside of the building needed a facelift. We donated £500 to help cheer up the meeting room.…..oh and if you wondered how the sisters are getting on, since they now regularly attend our events together - Margaret and Val Coates (pictured right) are getting on like a house on fire.

The Ripon and Harrogate district Branch of the Alzheimer's Society received a donation from our charitable account - the money to be used to support people with dementia and their family and carers. the society provides information, advice, and practical and emotional support.

Six primary schools and a high school within the Holmewood, Bierley and Tyersal area of Bradford, are working with hard-to-reach groups as part of the Extended Schools Programme and Every Child Matters Agenda. The aim is to reach disadvantaged mums and give them the opportunity to take part in a keep fit session organised by a student PE teacher. They will exercise, meet new people, mix, get out of the house, look at ways of staying healthy, hold discussions and network. This is something most of those who will be attending never have the opportunity to do and the contribution from Forward Ladies will help give them a spark to change their lives. There will also be crèche provision.

Picture (left) shows Etta handing over a £200 cheque to Sandra Corcoran

Children's

Barnardo's

Barnardo's Business and Professional Networking breakfasts are held regularly to raise funds for children and young people in Yorkshire. The events costs £20 per place. Dates in 2009 are 12th February, 23rd April, 18th June, 10th September, 15th October and 10th December. To book, contact Lynne Hallas, Corporate Partnerships, Tel: 0113 3933238 or email lynne.hallas@barnardos.org.uk

Childline

Inspirational speaker Jim Parkes is promoting his book to raise money for Childline. The new book “Seriously, are you taking the Peace?” was released in September. It’s now on Amazon and you can order it here . For more details on Jim, here is the press release.

Forget Me Not Trust

The Forget Me Not Trust needs to raise £3m to build a specialist respite centre and hospice for local children who suffer from terminal/life limiting conditions. The centre will provide respite, emergency, palliative and terminal care in a child-friendly family-centred environment.

Getaway Girls

is urgently seeking women to join their management committee. They offer self development opportunities and support to vulnerable and disadvantaged young women aged 11-25 across Leeds. Their enterprise also offers training to professionals, drawing on the methods and approaches they have used successfully with young women. If any members would like to share their expertise please contact Emma Roberts on 0113 2405894.

Getaway Girls is always happy to welcome new members to their Boards of Directors - either on the Charity side or for Social Enterprise ZONE67. Currently ZONE67 would appreciate any Forward Lady who has experience in: Management: writing and/or delivering training packages: advertising and promotions.These are rewarding opportunities where you will get the chance to change the lives of vulnerable young women in Leeds with only a few hours of your time. Contact new Managing Director, Georgia Cooper here .

J-U-M-P (Jacobs Unique Memory Pot)

J-U-M-P (Jacobs Unique Memory Pot) provide a free media service to terminally ill and severely disabled children and their families to capture special events and precious moments. The Charity was established in 2004 in memory of Jacob Hawthorn an amazing little boy who had a condition called Congenital Muscular Dystrophy. Jacob's family captured lots of special memories of his adventures that were so helpful when he passed away aged just 3 which now help them to value him as being part of their family and also remember how special he was.

Leeds Women's Aid

On average, a woman is hit 35 times prior to seeking any help. Leeds Women’s Aid set up its services to help women and children who were suffering from domestic violence. In 2006 LWA helped shelter 108 women and 188 children. This year, Leeds Women’s Aid celebrates 35 years of changing women’s lives. For further information, please contact: Jackie Offord, Event Coordinator Leeds Women's Aid, 0113 380 479, 07876 226 584 or email her here.

Martin House Hospice

Tonia Parris teamed with three friends to form The China Dolls and completed a trek on the Great Wall in China, raising £10,000 for Martin House Hospice. If anyone wants to add to this donation, please contact Tonia Parris here or on 0113 2502255. Donations can also be made directly here.

NDNA

National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) is the national charity representing children’s day nurseries across the UK.
Our goal is clear – to promote quality in early years care and education for the benefit of children, their families and the local community. www.ndna.org.uk/parents

Princes Trust

The Princes Trust is looking for business mentors to help young people to set up their own businesses. Mentoring requires between three and six hours a month. If you could lend your head for business to a young entrepreneur, contact Sue Collis-Scurll ,The Prince’s Trust Volunteer Manager on 07960 038005.

Radio Aire & Magic 828's Cash for Kids

Forward Ladies raised £720.00 for the Kids Count Official Charity of Radio Aire.

Save the Children

has launched a unique new membership scheme called Corporate Connect, designed for SMEs. There are 4 tiers of membership, each with a range of benefits from bronze to platinum. Benefits at the top end of the membership scale include use of a Save the Children Corporate Connect logo, and company profile on their website. The money needed to become a member can be raised by a one-off donation, staff fundraising or a cause-related marketing scheme. Contact Emma Burge on 0113 216 2921.

National

British Heart Foundation

The Leeds City branch of The British Heart Foundation support BHF with fundraising activities throughout the year. They are looking for new members to join their committee, and help them keep hearts beating with their fundraising activities, which includes wine tasting and an annual Ball. If any Forward Ladies woul like to join the committee, contact Sue Green.

Cardiomyopathy Association

Ruth Innes and Michaela Begley ran the New York marathon in Nov 2008 in memory of Ruth's 7 year old cousin Stephen, and Daniel Yorath. All proceeds will go to the Daniel Yorath Appeal in aid of the Cardiomyopathy Association. Check out their link: www.justgiving.com/fit2suit.

Diabetes UK

Diabetes UK is the largest organisation in the UK working for people with diabetes, funding research, campaigning and helping people living with the condition. With the help of organisations such as Forward Ladies, the team can raise awareness and funds to find a cure for the condition. In Leeds more than 20,000 are living with diabetes and a further 15,000 are at risk. If Forward Ladies would like to get involved, please contact the team on 01325 488606 or at northyorks@diabetes.org.uk.

Marie Curie

Forward Lady Rebecca Leverton and her family took part in the Great Wall of China trek for Marie Curie Cancer Care. Following the death of her mum-in-law Susan at the age of just 49 from liver cancer. Although Rebecca works for Marie Curie, she now has personal experience and wants to raise sponsorship money to help terminally ill people die, with dignity, at home. If you would like to help them please call the fundraising office on 0114 279 3010 or visit www.justgiving.co.uk/.

Multiple Sclerosis Research

Multiple Sclerosis Research (MS Research) is a dedicated MS (Multiple Sclerosis) charity committed to raising funds for research that will make a real difference for those who have MS and those who share their lives. Our primary aim is to: restore to people with MS, functions and capabilities lost as a result of MS by whatever means possible and to contribute to its eventual cure.

MS Research raises funds to enable research that will address its aims and further progress in the treatment of MS. In addition the charity will promote and support training and education to further knowledge and involvement of those who live with MS and those who treat it. It encourages volunteers to help in these aims through fundraising and general support duties such as office work, collections or organising events.

RNIB

The RNIB has launched a Refreshment Ripple - and it's whenever and wherever you would like it to be. Just invite along six people and charge them £2 each for a Coffee Morning. They organise their own event and invite 5 people so it ripples on, raising money. Contact Jackie McGuire for further details.

Thyroid Disease

Dawn Wood of Ages of Elegance is collecting old mobile phones to raise funds for her patient support group Thyroid Disease - a debilitating condition affecting 1 in 4 of the population, mainly women and is often misdiagnosed. Symptoms are varied as it affects all parts of the body from weight changes, to hair loss, mental deficiency, mobility and infertility. Dawn set up her website and support forum 11 years ago, without any funding and all volunteer help, after spending 4 years trying to get diagnosed and researching on the internet. The group now has nearly 600 members worldwide and is growing rapidly. There is no national charity for this illness currently, but the group has been invited to become a member of the Long Term Conditions Alliance to help shape policy.

Women Against Lung Cancer

Women Against Lung Cancer was launched in 2006. The campaign is fronted by Dame Judy Dench, who lost her husband to lung cancer. The purpose of the campaign is to raise the profile and encourage British women to join the fight against the biggest cancer killer of women. Women Against Lung Cancer is a web based campaign and we are actively encouraging women to demonstrate their support by signing up to the campaign via the website.

Every year 38,000 patients are diagnosed with lung cancer, and 34,000 die. Lung cancer is the biggest cancer killer in both men and women. Only 1.4% of the total research funding is spent on lung cancer research. The average prognosis for lung cancer patients from diagnosis to death is less than six months.

International

Enduro Africa

Enduro Africa supports a number of charities in South Africa. The latest saw 130 riders taking apart in an eduring bike ride challenge to donate £149,000 in cash and 132 bikes to the value of £171,600. The total donated from 2007's event is £320,600. All Enduro Africa 2006 generated an additional £80,000 and 114 brand new motorcycles to the value of £148,200 which brings the grand total donation for the 2 events to £548,200.

Gambian Schools Trust

The Gambian Schools Trust assists in financing primary education in Gambia. The government provides basic state education for over 7s whose parents can afford it, but there is no state provision for children under 7, for whom the only education is by voluntary groups or private sector. The Trust provides funding for refurbishing existing schools or building new ones, and by supplying resources and equipment donated in the UK. The Trust also assists by enabling teachers from the UK to share their expertise on a voluntary basis during short stays in The Gambia. Please contact Hilary Lawther here on on 07932 650644.

Regional

After Adoption Yorkshire

After Adoption Yorkshire is currently seeking a patron for their charity. Ideally, they are looking for someone who is reasonably well known, preferably with a link to adoption or Yorkshire (or even both!). They are not asking for a great deal of their time but it is important that they are generally supportive of their work.

They are seeking both suggestions of suitable people they could contact and practical help in getting in touch with them. They understand that many celebrities and their agents receive hundreds of similar letters from charities every year. Perhaps someone reading this might be able to help us to make a more targeted and sensitive approach? If you think that you may be help them in any way, please contact barbara.stewart@aay.org.uk or contact 0113 278 6487.

Bradford Cancer Daisy Appeal

Two Forward Ladies have joined forces to raise money for the Bradford Cancer Support Daisy appeal . 'Better for Everyone' - an outbound call centre owned by member Allison Widdup. They will be joining forces and using their professional services for the charity to help raise £1.1m for the Daisy Appeal.

Caring for Life

Caring For Life supports homeless and vulnerable people in Leeds. Their farm holds therapeutic daytime activities including Agriculture, Horticulture, Conservation, Equestrian Skills, Arts and Crafts, Literacy and Numeracy, Expressive Arts (Music and Drama), Catering Academy,Woodwork, Film and Media. They also provide support to 120 people in their own accommodation throughout Leeds and have 2 supported homes for 8 men and 8 women. In 2005, HRH The Countess of Wessex became their Patron hosted a fundraising banquet.

Daisy Appeal

The Daisy Appeal was launched in 2002 to raise funds to build the Hull and East Yorkshire Medical Research and Training Centre in the grounds of Castle Hill Hospital, Cottingham, East Yorks. The centre will hold clinical research trials into two of the region's biggest killers - heart disease and cancer. You can donate money or prizes, oganising events/raffles, buy stone in the founders wall area, or fund a piece of equipment. Please contact the appeals director Pauline Speed.

Haworth Cat Rescue

At Haworth Cat Rescue our message is simple: Caring for Cats - Helping People Cats are surrendered due to terminal illness, death of an owner, home repossession and difficulty in finding a pet-friendly rental, allergy of a child - the reasons are as endless as those for wanting to adopt cat.

Our no-kill policy provides great comfort - it is very distressing to part with loved pet due to circumstances beyond control. (And very upsetting for older people going into car homes). By the same token, we re-home age appropriate cats to the elderly for whom they are often the 'last companion' easing social isolation, to families with a disabled child and of course, to those who simply want a furry friend to love.

Volunteers benefit gaining new skills and confidence: Craig with learning difficulties is our official feral ktten tamer. As a local AND animal; chairity many sources of grant/lottery support are denied to us. Yet we make a difference to the lives of people as well as needy and neglected cats every day.

We are now piloting a schools education scheme to try to reduce animal related violence and abuse in the long term - Yokrshire ranks No2 in England and Wales for animal cruelty convictions.

We would be so grateful if you would consider adding us to your list of local charities on your website.

We are also looking for people to come forward and join out Doggies for Moggies sponsored walks! Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you.

Leeds Community Foundation

The Leeds Community Foundation is an independent, non-profit organisation. Their aim is to improve the quality of life of local people, by encouraging local giving. For more information, ring 0113 2422426.

RSPCA Harrogate

The RSPCA Harrogate & District Branch rely on a small but dedicated team of volunteers to carry out vital animal welfare work and raise much needed funds to help animals in the Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon, Wetherby, Boroughbridge and Nidderdale districts.

Saint Michael's Hospice

Saint Michael’s Hospice, Harrogate, is preparing to launch its new Guild of Patrons at Rudding Park Harrogate on Thursday 15 May. The Guild of Patrons is a select group of businesses publicly committed to making sure the patients of tomorrow have a choice of quality end of life care.

By becoming a member of the Guild of Patrons businesses have an exclusive opportunity to demonstrate corporate social responsibility while also enhancing marketing, communications and company profile and building staff motivation.

Interested parties are welcome to attend the launch of the Guild at Rudding Park, Harrogate, on Thursday May 15 2008. The event is to be hosted by Yorkshire business personality Sir Graham Hall – Chairman of Leeds Bradford International Airport, former CEO of Yorkshire Electricity Group plc, Inaugural Yorkshire Forward Chairman and past non-executive Director of the Bank of England.For further information about the Guild or to secure tickets to the launch, please contact Christine Norton at Saint Michael’s on 01423 879 687.

St Michael's is also holding a charity ball on Friday 6th June at the Majestic Hotel, Harrogate. There will be a champagne reception with music from Swing Time Jazz, a sumptuous dinner, an auction and casino, and dancing to popular local band The NightJars. The Ball takes place every 2 years, and raises more than £30,000 towards patient care.Tickets are £70 from Lucy Gill – lgill@saintmichaelshospice.org

Sheffield Hatters Women's Basketball

The club was formed in the mid-sixties by senior coach Betty Codona OBE. They dominate the women's game and are officially the 'Most successful club in English women's team sport. Each year the running costs are around £25,000 - this includes court fees, officials fees, travel etc. They have qualified for the Women's European Basketball Cup in the 2007-8 season. For British teams, this is a huge step up as basketball on the continent enjoys a much higher profile. The cost is in excess of £20,000 to compete in the group stages and the team is looking for extra support. Four of our seniors are currently training with senior GB squad, with two in the GB under-20 squad. With a view to London 2012, these are potential Olympic Athletes - girls who need to compete at the highest level. Contact Suzanne Owen here.

St Matthew's Church, Chapel Allerton

It's St Matthew's Church in Chapel Allerton will be holding a summer fair on a Saturday afternoon (yet to be decided, but in July). Forward Lady Margaret Fiddes is putting the stalls together and is inviting other members who produce goods and who would like a stall, to contact her. There will be 8-10 stalls at £12 each. Contact Margaret direct on Tel: 0113 235 0198
Mob: 07717761427 E-mail: Margaret@readyplanted.com

Wheatfields Hospice

The search is on for inspirational Yorkshire women to be honoured at the 2008 Women of Achievement Awards . The event will take place on 27th June at the Saviles Hall at The Royal Armouries International.
This wonderful event raises money for Sue Ryder Care Wheatfields Hospice and is now in its 22 ^nd year. If you have any queries, please contact Rosemary M Sheen, area fundraising manager on 0113 2787249.

Women and Children's Holiday Centre

This charitable co-operative has made a difference to the lives of thousands of women & children providing affordable holiday accommodation for women & children on low incomes living in Leeds. Charges are from £7 to £20 a night including meals. The house offers a safe and friendly environment where women can relax, make connections and feel supported. Guests can also come for walking holidays, short breaks, paying at the higher rate. If you would like to become a supporter, by setting up a standing order, or organizing fundraising events you can contact us via the website: http://www.hortonnwhc.org.uk/ or by calling 01729 860207 and speaking to Catriona or Katy.

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust

Volunteers are required for people to get their hands dirty on nature reserves, help with environmental education groups, volunteer at events and assist with administration. The spring and summer months are the surveying season and the charity is looking to recruit and train enthusiasts to help us monitor and record Yorkshire's changing wildlife. http://www.yorkshire-wildlife-trust.org.uk/