Record-breaking Golden Giveaway awards £25,000 to 20 local organisations

20 charities and community groups across the Tees Valley have received a share of £25,000 thanks to this year’s Golden Giveaway, following a record-breaking public vote.

The Teesside Charity held its annual Golden Giveaway Presentation Ceremony on Wednesday 1st July at the Riverside Stadium, celebrating 20 local organisations that were selected as finalists.

This year’s campaign saw an incredible 9,881 votes cast, making it the biggest Golden Giveaway to date. Every finalist received an award of at least £500, with the top award of £5,000 presented to RDA Unicorn Centre, who secured first place in the public vote.

RDA Unicorn Centre provides therapeutic riding for disabled children, young people and adults. The award will support the purchase of a larger, appropriately trained RDA horse capable of safely carrying riders above their current weight limit of 83kg, while also helping strengthen the Centre’s financial sustainability.

Second place was awarded to Synthonia Scout Club, who received £2,500. The funding will help repair their Scout Hut and install a waterproof system, ensuring the facility remains a safe and welcoming space for local young people.

Thornaby Deaf Club secured third place, receiving £2,000. Their award will be used to create a beautiful outdoor space, enhancing the support and social opportunities they provide for their members.

The remaining awards were presented as follows:

£1,750 – Boosbeck Village Hall

£1,500 – Middlesbrough Amateur Swim Club, The Moses Project and FC Darlington Locomotives

£1,000 – Purple Door Studio CIC, William’s Den Hartlepool and Nite Light CIC

£750 – AMALAwellness CIC, Let’s Pretend and Play CIC, Cleveland Boxing Club CIC, BiG KIDS and Maggie’s Middlesbrough

£500 – Friends of Acklam Library, Stockton Sea Cadets, ReGenerate – Hope for Autism CIC, Tees Valley Together CIO and Hoofprints CIC

The presentation event brought together finalists, supporters and members of The Teesside Charity community to celebrate the fantastic work carried out by these organisations across the region.

The Teesside Charity would like to thank all those who supported this year’s Golden Giveaway, including its Platinum Patrons, Patrons and Infant Hercules Charity Club members, many of whom attended the ceremony and helped present awards to the winning organisations.

The Charity also extended its thanks to Alfie Joey, who hosted the event as compère, helping to make the afternoon a memorable celebration of community achievement.