Member Article

Cash boost for Red Dreams

A creative charity that helps disadvantaged children in Hartlepool has been gifted a cash boost by one regional builder.

Red Dreams has received £1,000 from Persimmon Homes Teesside to help young people support their ambitions and build confidence through art.

The charity was set-up by Dawn and Ian McManus following the sudden and tragic death of their son, Kyle, who died from a brain haemorrhage in 2007 aged just 16.

Persimmon Homes gifted Red Dreams the donation as part of the builder’s Community Champions scheme; a £24,000 fund to help support local clubs, groups and good causes.

Dawn McManus, said: “A huge thanks to Persimmon Homes for this generous donation. We plan to use the funding to help disadvantaged children for whom mainstream education isn’t working. We will offer them an alternative education through creative arts, so that we can tap into their unknown potential and build up their confidence and self esteem.”

Red Dreams already has a qualified teacher on board as well as others with arts awards and entry level teaching qualifications. They are planning a series of structured workshops and practical sessions, which will engage and develop each person taking part in the six week programme.

Joan Peart, head of sales for Persimmon Homes Teesside said the community initiative was an excellent way of supporting people across every city, town and village where the company works. She said: “We are confident this funding will make a huge difference to Red Dreams. By offering young people accreditation in areas such as acting, music and film it will give them the support they need to prepare for further education and employment.

“We now want to hear from more groups and charities as we look to allocate more funding. All we ask is that the group or charity has already worked hard to raise money themselves, and we will then match this effort with funding of up to £1,000.”

To apply for funding, visit www.persimmonhomes.com/charity.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Lee Southen .