THE organisers of a major fundraising event taking place in the North East next month have announced the names of the three charities that will benefit.
The annual Durham Shopping Extravaganza returns to Ramside Hall Hotel, Durham, on October 14 and 15, for two days of early Christmas buying and the chance to support local causes.
Now in its 27th year, the Extravaganza, which is run by a committee of volunteers, has raised more than £370,000 for 72 local causes in and around County Durham.
This year's charities are:
• Butterwick Hospice Care, which has three centres providing end of life, respite, day and home care for terminally ill children and adults, as well as bereavement care and family support in Teesside, County Durham, North Yorkshire and Wearside;
• Home-Start Seaham, which offers support, friendship and practical help to parents with young children by recruiting and training volunteers to visit and support families at home;
• St. Margaret's Centre, Durham, which supports people with mental health problems by running activities and opportunities in a therapeutic work setting to rebuild their confidence and help them gain access to employment, training and education.
Durham Shopping Extravaganza volunteers are providing additional support to Home-Start Seaham with donations of bedding, crockery and kitchen equipment, and to St Margaret's Centre with donations of furniture.
Twenty-seven new retailers will be among the 70 stalls this year ranging from food and fashion to gifts and homeware.
Co-chair of the DSE Nicky Swan said: "Our committee members were unanimous in agreeing the three principal charities that will benefit from the generous support of people across the region who attend this year's Shopping Extravaganza and the stallholders who kindly give a proportion of their takings.
"Every penny of profit the event generates over the two days goes to charity and we are proud that so many worthy causes have received donations over the years.
"This year's chosen charities all do a fantastic job helping the sick and vulnerable, with much of their work carried out by dedicated volunteers.
“We hope as many people as possible from across the region will come along on October 14 and 15 for an excellent day's gift-buying, the chance to meet up with friends and to support these fantastic organisations."
The event is supported by sponsors BHP Law, Brewin Dolphin, Lycetts and Sherwoods.
• Durham Shopping Extravaganza 2015 is at Ramside Hall Hotel, Durham, on Wednesday, October 14, 10am-5pm and Thursday, October 15, 10am-4pm. Entry is £4 per person and parking is free. Visit www.durhamshoppingextravaganza.co.uk or follow at Facebook.com/DurhamShoppingExtravaganza and or on Twitter @dseshopping