An organisation which helps refugees and asylum seekers has been named North East Charity of the Year.
Newcastle’s Action Foundation beat the North East Autism Society and Pioneering Care Partnership to win the top prize at the North East Charity Awards, the fifth time the event has been staged by The Journal and The Gazette in association with associate sponsors Brewin Dolphin.
Other winners on the night included Stockton social enterprise Five Lamps and children’s charity Kids Kabin, while Joanne Smith, founder of Fighting All Cancers Together (FACT) won the special recognition.
More than 400 attended the night of celebration of the region’s voluntary sector at the Hilton Hotel in Gateshead.
Helen Dalby, senior editor at Journal and Gazette publishers Reach North East, said: “ChronicleLive, Teesside Live, The Journal and The Gazette are extremely proud to recognise the value and importance of the amazing charities and social enterprises in this part of the world, which is so widely known and loved for its generosity of spirit.
“Tonight also recognises the important work of individual fundraisers and local businesses who support and help raise vital funds for our charities.
“We have been inundated with entries, with almost 250 received – and our judges commented on the quality once more being exceptionally high.
“These are tough awards to judge – all those nominated are exceptional organisations and individuals, who make a real difference with the work that they do.” The awards for outstanding charity support were won by Accenture (for large companies) and Drummond Central with Ouseburn Farm, for small to medium-sized firms.
The Uniquely North East award was won by learning disability group Natural Ability, which is based near Hexham.
Sergio Petrucci, organiser of the Red Sky Ball for the Children’s Heart Unit Fund, was named the corporate charity ambassador of the year; Julian Prior at Action Foundation was named charity leader of the year; David Hastings won the prize for volunteer of the year; and Middlesbrough’s Noor Amer was named young charity champion of the year.
Picking up his second award, Mr Prior said: "I just can't believe it. It's such an honour and privilege to be in such incredible company.
"When I started this charity I had no idea that it would last a year never mind 13. It's supported so many people, who are vulnerable but incredibly tenacious, and who want to make the North East their home.
"It's me standing here but it's on behalf of so many people involved. As an organisation, we are giving an opportunity for the North East to welcome folk who want to be here and who want to give something back.
"It brings out the best in people. It's a privilege to work with people who want to give so much."
BBC Newcastle’s Anna Foster and Alfie Joey hosted the awards, which featured entertainment from North East comedian and Britain’s Got Talent winner Lee Ridley aka Lost Voice Guy. The event also featured entertainment from Gateshead group Aukestra, a music group for people with autism whose headquarters was recently hit by an arson attack.
