Member Article

Bill Oddie hopes public will give big

Bill Oddie, Patron of a leading north-east conservation charity is hoping green minded businesses will help it stand up for wildlife by supporting it during this year’s Big Give Christmas Challenge.

Like all charities, Northumberland Wildlife Trust, which currently manages over 60 nature reserves in the Region, has been affected by the cuts in funding for wildlife conservation work; this comes at a time when wildlife is facing more challenges to its future than ever before and certainly since the wildlife trust movement was founded one hundred years ago.

The Trust has been selected to participate in the Big Give Christmas Challenge 2012, a massive annual on-line appeal funded by the Reed Foundation, the charity arm of Reed Specialist Recruitment Services.

If the Trust can raise £20,000 on three specific days in December, it will receive a further £20,000 from a number of ‘Charity Champions’ (foundations/trusts) and pledges from its corporate supporters.

There is a certain amount of money allocated for each of the three days and once the money has gone for that day, the fund closes until the following day, so it is best to donate as soon after10amas possible.

The three donation days are: Thursday 6th, Friday 7th and Saturday 8thDecember with donations needing to be made via the Big Give website - visit www.thebiggive.org.uk then searching for ‘Northumberland Wildlife Trust’ to donate.

TV presenter, broadcaster, birdwatcher, conservationist and actor Bill is hoping local businesses and their employees will support the Trust over the three days of The Big Give Appeal, he said: “I can honestly say that Northumberland Wildlife Trust has always struck me as being one of the most active, appreciative and ‘together’ Wildlife Trusts in the whole country.

“I know everybody is feeling the pinch this year and businesses are no exception, but it would be great if they could give a little to support this wonderful organisation which works so hard to conserve the wondrous wildlife of this region - no amount is too small.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sue Bishop .