Derby businesses back Mayors campaign for Skegness holiday home - 24/9/2009

Brett Critchley, MD of Orchid, with the Mayor Of Derby

Businesses from across the city have thrown their support behind the Mayor of Derby’s campaign to raise awareness for a centre, which provides holidays for disadvantaged children.

The Mayor, Councillor Sean Marshall, invited representatives from local businesses on a trip to the Derby Children’s Holiday Centre (DCHC) in Skegness, which provides holidays for more than 450 Derbyshire children every year.

Brett Critchley, managing director of Derbyshire Business of the Year, Orchid IT, Benjamin Benn, director of Silver Pride Software, Simon Dixon from Bright Advice and Hannah McCuaig, Mrs England 2009, all visited the centre to meet the staff and children and find out more about how they could help.

The group were given a tour of the facilities, which include a TV lounge, arts and crafts and games room, along with a large sports hall, theatre, and outdoor barbecue facility.

They then experienced a typical day at the centre, which included lunch with the children, followed by an afternoon spent playing games and participating in a wide range of activities.

As a result of the trip, all of the organisations concerned have decided to become involved with the charity and are urging other local businesses to do the same:

Commenting on the trip to the DCHC, Brett Critchley, managing director at Orchid said:

“I can honestly say the trip to the Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre was one of the most memorable days of the year for me.”

“The Centre is such a fantastic place to stay and it was amazing to see such happy children - I wish I could have stayed longer! Orchid is going to provide IT support, as well as with get involved with fundraising and I would encourage anyone who can help in to support this vital local cause,” added Brett.

Benjamin Benn from Silver Pride Software, added:

“When we heard that the Mayor was looking for businesses to support the Holiday Centre, we jumped at the chance. We were very impressed with the facilities and the hard and dedication of all the staff.

As a result of this visit, Silver Pride will be helping the centre develop its website and create an on-line donation facility.”

“It was a day of mixed emotions for Simon Dixon at Bright Advice, who said:

“The children were lovely; they made us laugh and enjoyed wearing the Mayor’s chains and Hannah’s tiara. Yet when the carers tell you that some of the children’s don’t want to go home, it underlines what a fun, safe environment has been created. We are thinking about how we can help and hope that other people will consider helping the Centre too.

I think its fair to say that we are still thinking about it now and how we can help. I just hope that other people think about helping us too as every penny counts.”

Hannah added:

“This place really is a gem and the light at the end of a very dark tunnel for some of these children; I am committed to supporting this cause in my forthcoming fundraising event in October.”

The Derby Children’s Holiday Centre was established in 1891 and provides more than 450 disadvantaged children from across Derbyshire with a holiday in Skegness each year.

The Centre aims to provide exciting, happy and memorable holidays for the children in a safe and structured environment. It also promotes personal and social development, improved self-esteem, attitude and behavioural issues in children.