Member Article

Cash donation brings cheer to group

A cheerleading group, which trains at Kenton School in Newcastle, has been gifted £950 towards the cost of a floor track.

Northern Sparkles received the donation from Persimmon Homes North East; as part of the builder’s Community Champions initiative.

“The money we have received from Persimmon Homes will go towards a specifically designed floor track, which will greatly enhance the development of the squad,” said Jacqueline Niblo, treasurer for the Shandon Community Association, which runs the Northern Sparkles.

“Applying for the funding couldn’t have been any easier and we’re over the moon with the donation. It’s the final part of the sum we need to buy the floor track. The sky really is the limit for these youngsters now as this is something our membership will greatly benefit from. No experience is necessary to join the club and we look forward to welcoming new members.”

Northern Sparkles trains cheerleaders aged four and upwards, giving them all the skills to jump, dance, stunt and tumble, so experience is not essential. The group has grown to 52 members and are highly recognised on the national and international competition scene.

“So far we have given away thousands of pounds to good causes across the North East,” said Debbie Zaben, sales and marketing director for Persimmon Homes North East.

“We are delighted to support the Northern Sparkles as we know that funding can be difficult to source, so it’s fantastic that we can offer our financial assistance. We were very impressed with their application and the work that they do to help young people in their community.”

The Persimmon Community Champions scheme is a national programme where clubs, groups and good causes can apply for funding up to the value of £1,000 to match money they have already raised themselves.

Debbie added: “It’s so easy to apply for funding and we are now calling for people to apply for next month’s allocation by completing a form at www.persimmonhomes.com/charity.”

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