NORTH East companies traded up for charity to help scores of disabled youngsters across the region.
The ‘Trade Up Challenge’ was launched by the Chronicle Sunshine Fund and saw six local firms given a teddy bear signed by charity patrons Ant and Dec.
Companies then had to trade for higher value prizes.
They had one month to complete the challenge and when they had their highest value prize, it was raffled off in the office.
The companies that took part were ncjMedia, Northumbrian Water, Ward Hadaway, Cintra, Lazy Grace and Digitia. More than £2,700 was raised in total from the challenge and the winning team came from Northumbrian Water who raised £1,500.
Ward Hadaway were runners up raising £600 in total from their trading efforts.
Simon Lewis, team leader at Northumbrian Water, said: “Trade Up is a different and unique challenge, one that we have thoroughly enjoyed and has been well received by local businesses who have contributed.
“Winning the challenge is a great achievement for us, but even more rewarding is knowing that the money raised is going to such a worthy and local cause and we all hope that our efforts will be a big help to the children who need it.”
A spokesperson from Ward Hadaway added: “Ward Hadaway were delighted to take part in Trade Up. This challenge presented an opportunity to showcase entrepreneurial skills as well as giving something back to the local community.
“It allowed us to work with other local businesses, and together, raise money for such a worthwhile cause. We would like to thank Gusto, SIX at the Baltic, the Crab and Lobster and Rockcliffe Hall Hotel for their generosity and support.”
Clare Savory, Sunshine Fund events manager, said: “We were thrilled with the items companies were able to receive from trading our Sunshine bear. The amount raised was fantastic and we really value the support of all the companies that signed up.
“We hope to make Trade Up bigger and better this year.”
Any companies would like to get involved in Trade Up 2014, email [email protected].