Hotel gives charity donation to Sunderland centre for poorly children

Paul Mandeir, general manager at the Holiday Inn in Washington has handed over £1,000 after he and staff chose Grace House as their local charity partner.

From Sunday lunches, a raffle, bag pack and football cards over only two and a half months, they have been able to generate the money.

Paul said: “Alongside our official Holiday Inn charity partner Greenfinger’s we decided we wanted to support a local charity too.

“We are excited about working alongside Grace House and delighted that we have been able to hand over £1,000 cash today.”

Karen Maclennan, fundraiser at Grace House, which has its home in Southwick, said: “Everyone at the Holiday Inn Washington has embraced Grace House and are so enthusiastic with their fundraising ideas.

“Paul has a calendar of events and I am looking forward to going along and supporting them all with their fundraising.”

The next fundraising event is an Indian Night on Friday March 31, where for visitors can get a seven course meal for £20.

The hotel’s chef will demonstrate making one of the dishes and there will be some Bollywood entertainment too.

The evening will start at 7pm and go on until midnight.

Although Sunday Lunches are served every Sunday (visitors can mention Grace House and £2 from every adult meal will be donated to the respite centre), Paul and his team have dedicated a Sunday Lunch on Sunday April 2, where £5 will be donated for every three-course lunch served.

Children will also be catered for with arts and crafts and a special character appearance on the day.

On Bank Holiday Monday, May 29, the Holiday Inn is having a Family Fun Day with stalls, character appearances, arts and crafts, bouncy castle and even a mobile bowling lane.

Included in ticket price, which is £10 for adults and £6 for children, is a three-course lunch.

To book tickets or for more information contact the hotel team on 418 9482.