Waterside Holiday Group has given vital support to two charities following numerous fundraising efforts during 2023.

Dorset Mind and The Dorset’s Children’s Foundation were nominated as Waterside’s chosen charities, receiving £30,000 between them following a year of various fundraising activities carried out by Waterside employees.

Funds were raised through motorbike rides, bingo, fish and chip days, a raffle, dog show and an arduous hike as part of the ongoing fundraising campaign events, in addition to donations made to an ongoing JustGiving page.

Dave Bennett, CEO of Waterside, said: “It’s a fantastic feeling to know that our amazing team have, in our own small way, managed to raise enough funds to positively influence the work that these brilliant charities do.

“Giving back to the community is such a large and important part of what we at Waterside are about and we will continue our fundraising efforts for years to come, trying to help better the lives of those in need around us.”

Dorset Mind will soon review ways to utilise the donation, the options include covering the cost of three separate wellbeing groups to run for a full year, or funding 1000 one-to-one support sessions for those struggling with isolation and loneliness as a result of anxiety and depression.

Linda O’Sullivan, CEO of Dorset Mind, said: “Working with Waterside Holiday Group for the past two years has been an absolute pleasure, and we're over the moon that they have chosen to partner with us again for 2024.

“The sense of community among their team and customers is brilliant, and really showcases how much we can achieve when we work together. The generous donation made by Waterside Holiday Group will make a huge difference to our local community and the mental health support we can offer for both adults and young people. Thank you!”

Patsy Hallmey, Co-Founder of The Dorset Children’s Foundation, added: “This generous donation will go a long way to help enrich the lives of local disabled children and will be used for our Accessible for All programme of activities.

“Sadly, there are not the opportunities for disabled children to participate in sporting events and activities as there are for able bodied kids. We strive to change this and provide fully accessible activities including golf, tennis, boat trips, bike rides in the New Forest and more. We are just so grateful to benefit from this donation and every penny will go to the children, not a penny is taken out for our overheads.”

For more information about Waterside, visit https://www.watersideholidaygroup.co.uk/.