The owner of North East marketing and business development consultancy, Riverside Marketing Solutions, has been named 'Most Impactful Fundraiser' for her work with Sunderland based charity Grace House North East at a glittering awards ceremony.
The awards evening, which took place at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, celebrated the charity’s 20th anniversary and was dedicated to the volunteers, staff, young adults and fundraisers who have supported them.
Nicola Halse, owner of Riverside Marketing Solutions, has been involved with the charity for a number of years carrying out fundraising activities, volunteering at career events and promoting the charity’s essential work. The award of Most Impactful Fundraiser was presented by Jayne Secker, patron of Grace House and the daughter of Kathy Secker, the original founder of the charity.
Supporting disabled children, young people and their families, the charity offers opportunities including work experience, youth groups, short breaks and counselling. Their services have provided vital support and has enriched the lives of many within the North East and beyond.
The Most Impactful Fundraiser accolade comes hot on the heels of Riverside Marketing Solutions being shortlisted in the StartUp Awards National Series in the Professional Services category, this is the second year running the business has made the regional finals, a fantastic achievement for a business which was launched at the very start of the Covid pandemic in April 2020.
Nicola was over the moon to receive the award, commenting “To be recognised for the fundraising I’ve carried out for Grace House is something I’m immensely proud of, the charity support so many children and young adults and I’ve seen first-hand the positive impact their work has, I’m really pleased I’m in a position where I can contribute in a small way.
I strongly believe that businesses, if they can, should try and get involved in their local community, whether that’s through fundraising, support or just a lending hand here and there, it really makes a big difference.
This year, in celebration of their 20th anniversary, I decided to up my fundraising game and will be taking part in four 10k runs and also the Great North Run in aid of the charity. I obviously couldn’t do this without the support of the fabulous north east business community who have been extremely generous in their donations, every penny makes a difference so I’m very grateful for everybody who has contributed.
This award, along with being shortlisted in the StartUp Awards National Series, really shows that with a lot of dedication, hard work and the support of family, friends and colleagues, businesses can thrive, even in what are challenging conditions for many.”
