MORPETH businesswomen are pulling out all the stops to support their counterparts across the world.
An event, raffle and competition are being organised by Emma Scott, in partnership with Oxfam GB, and she is delighted with the response from local shops and businesses.
The Espley resident, who runs her own bunting business called Little Bundles, was asked on her social media pages to create more than 100m of bunting for the charity’s International Women’s Day launch in London last month.
And after being inspired by Oxfam success stories in places such as Haiti and Zambia, she decided to set up a Get Together in her home town on the day itself, Thursday, March 8.
“A majority of the money being raised for Oxfam will be used to help women in third world countries set up their own co-operatives,” said Mrs Scott.
“This is quite exciting as we ourselves are businesswomen coming together as a co-operative trying to raise money for fellow businesswomen all around the world. The key difference is that we have the education and finances to be able to get together, not everyone has such basic privileges.
“The response from local independent businesses has been phenomenal as many of them have wanted to get involved in some way to help raise funds, such as donating some super prizes for our raffle.”
Teresa Peters from fine dining recipe book publishers Relish Publications immediately agreed to help with the organisation of the free event, which is open to men as well.
And April Atkinson, owner of La Bodega Tapas Bar in Newgate Street, has donated the use of her premises for an activity-packed day that will be co-hosted by her and Elizabeth Killoran, owner of wedding party and event planning business Whistles and Bells.
It starts at 10am with coffee and pastries, running through to a special Tapas lunch and followed by afternoon tea and cakes. A few small businesses have been invited to set up a stall and there will be activities for pre-school children, along with a face painter.
The raffle prizes include a pair of Nicole Fahri sunglasses from C4 Sightcare, jewellery from Kathryn Trueman and gym membership from Energie Ladies Fitness.
Chantry and Newminster Middle Schools and Technology Colleges are taking part in a competition, which has two prizes of £50 vouchers.
Participating students will submit a photo of a woman who is inspirational to them and a description of why they admire her.
The finalists will be judged by Broomhill resident Stephanie Butland, author of Say Bah to Cancer, and Alison Chatto, Head of Business Development at competition sponsor Simpson Millar Solicitors, who said: “By raising awareness amongst the youngest in our society, we can inspire and encourage a culture of equality in the next generation.”
Raffle tickets can be bought in advance from La Bodega or at the Oxfam shop in Bridge Street.