Guests at the 25th anniversary Firecracker Ball helped raise a record breaking £230,000 to help disadvantaged children across Yorkshire. In the last 11 years the event, organised by local business professionals, has raised over £1.5 million for Barnardo’s. This year’s funds will support Barnardo’s work to end child sexual exploitation across the region. The charity aims to help girls and boys aged from five to 21 years old to escape the dangerous life they have become trapped in. It also works to make young people aware of the grooming process, helping them to build confidence, skills and knowledge to reduce the risks.
Phil Taylor, Firecracker Ball committee chairman and vice president of Barnardo’s, said: ‘This year we have surpassed all expectations with record fundraising. My extreme gratitude goes to the committee who work tirelessly each year to deliver an event to remember, our sponsors, without whom we wouldn’t have a platform to start from, and of course to our esteemed guests who give generously every time. Our 25th anniversary event has been momentous.’
