Member Article

THE CUSTOMS HOUSE UNVEILS ITS CHOSEN CHARITY FOR THIS YEAR’S PANTO SEASON

The Customs House is delighted to announce its charity partner for the 2018/19 panto season – Metro Radio’s Cash for Kids Mission Christmas Campaign.

Every year, a bucket collection after each panto performance raises money for a local good cause.

Last year, more than £12,000 was raised for the Charlie Cookson Foundation, as generous audiences were asked to dig deep during the theatre’s busiest time.

It was a record-breaking amount and the theatre is hoping to beat this target again when Beauty and the Beast, sponsored by Hays Travel, takes to the stage between November 27, 2018 and January 5, 2019.

Cash for Kids responds to the needs of children in the regional community, aiming to give disadvantaged children a better and brighter future. The charity aspires to enable all children to live life to the full and achieve their individual potential.

Stephanie Simpson, Cash for Kids Regional Charity Manager said:

“We are absolutely thrilled that Cash for Kids Mission Christmas has been selected by The Customs House to be the chosen charity throughout the pantomime season. Many children in the North East will benefit from their extremely kind and valued support.

“The Customs House is also going to be a valuable drop off point for our Christmas appeal, where we ask the public to donate an unwapped children’s gift for a child in need this Christmas. The gifts go to children who are highlighted to Cash for Kids by a member of the local authority, and we work with social workers, teachers, police and doctors to ensure we are helping those who are in urgent need.

“Every single bit of support is massively appreciated and it is due to the public’s generosity that we are able to ensure many more children wake up to a gift on Christmas morning.

“In addition, The Customs House has generously donated a whole afternoon show to Cash for Kids so we can deliver a special Christmas panto treat for children who would not normally be able to enjoy a trip to the theatre.”

Ray Spencer MBE, executive director of The Customs House, who also writes, directs and stars in the annual pantomime, said:

“Every year we are just astonished by people’s generosity and our audience always dig deep to raise an impressive amount.

“We’re delighted to be helping Metro Radio’s Cash for Kids Mission Christmas Appeal this year, this appeal is more than just toys and gifts; it’s giving hope and allowing children to still believe in the magic of Christmas. We know our loyal panto audience will give generously to this great cause.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Nicky Mckeen .