Good causes benefit from Yeadon airport coin collection (From Wharfedale Observer)

Good causes benefit from Yeadon airport coin collection

8:00am Saturday 9th February 2013 in News

Leeds-Bradford Airport has announced its chosen charities to benefit from the 2013 Coin Collection.

Under the scheme, passengers are encouraged to donate any loose sterling, foreign coins or notes.

Since it started more than a decade ago the initiative has raised thousands of pounds for charities in the region.

This year’s chosen charities are Martin House Children’s Hospice and Yeadon Charities Association.

The Yeadon Charities Association supports various local causes including annual donations to residential care homes in Yeadon, grants to individuals and the provision of support for elderly and disabled people living in the Yeadon area.

The group’s main fundraising event is the annual pantomime at Yeadon Town Hall, which it began running in 1939. The association relies on the support of local people to come along to the pantomime and keep the tradition alive, whilst helping local charities.

Peter Long, of Yeadon Charities Association, said: “By supporting us in this way Leeds-Bradford Airport plays an important role in helping to maintain a long-established fund which started more than 100 years ago in 1900.

“The money raised helps fund an annual trip to the coast for some 300 Yeadon senior citizens and also assists Yeadon youngsters who may require, through accident or illness, special equipment to help them in their daily lives. The charity also provides Christmas cash donations to the two residential nursing/care homes in Yeadon.”

Martin House Children’s Hospice provides family-led care for children with life-threatening and life-limiting illnesses.

Fundraiser John Haigh said: “Every penny really counts in our quest to raise £4.6 million per year, almost all of which comes from public and private donations such as this one from the staff and customers of Leeds-Bradford Airport. This enables us to care for and support more than 500 local children and young people with life-limiting illnesses, and their families, each year.”

Tony Hallwood, the airport’s commercial director, said: “Leeds-Bradford Airport is delighted that staff and passengers support these worthwhile causes by donating unwanted coins in arrivals and departures.

“The fantastic work that Martin House Hospice and Yeadon Charities Association undertake really does make a difference to the people that they help support in our community.”