Dan pursues career goals at New Warlands Farm
After trying his hand at everything from catering to roofing, 34-year-old Dan has found the opportunity to progress his career at New Warlands Farm.
Make it your business to support Growing Futures
Sir Peter Vardy, business leader and philanthropist, has led the way in supporting the North East Autism Society’s vision at New Warlands Farm.
When NEAS launched its ‘Growing Futures’ appeal last spring, the entrepreneur promised to donate £500,000 – and called on other businesses to come together to match his pledge.
“The North East Autism Society is a wonderful charity, run by a wonderful team, and this is going to transform lots of vulnerable lives, so please join me and get on board,” said Sir Peter at the time.
Today, thanks to what NEAS CEO John Phillipson describes as “an amazing response”, donations are at the halfway point – enough for work on the development site to begin, but with more support needed to complete the vision.
“The work on the farm is underway – it’s happening – but we want to be able to go ahead with all the components that will make it so special,” John says.
The additional £250,000, to match Sir Peter’s pledge, will mean specialist play areas can be added.
John adds:
“The reality is that families with autistic children are having to travel long distances, often outside of the North East, to access specialist play areas, and we want to put that right at New Warlands Farm.”
As well as cash donations, the charity is also grateful for the offers of “in-kind” support it has received from businesses willing to donate resources and skills.
JOIN OUR NEW BUSINESS CLUB
As an addition to the Growing Futures appeal, NEAS is now launching its own Business Club for companies large and small.
The NEAS Business Club is a unique opportunity to put your business at the heart of an award-winning charity, making a difference to some of the region’s most vulnerable people.
There are four membership tiers – Member, Bronze, Silver, and Gold – based on the level of support you are able to provide. Eligibility starts at just £50 and rises to £2,500+ to become a Gold member.
Our business champions will receive access to volunteering days, guidance for fundraising activities, and complimentary tickets to events such as the charity’s annual Walk for Acceptance.
Your involvement can range from fundraising, sponsorship, or gifts in kind – all of which contribute towards your membership level.
By joining as a Business Member, you receive access to a monthly NEAS newsletter and invitations to connect through a Business Networking Club.
OR WHY NOT SPONSOR A TREE?
The North East Autism Society are planting 550 fruit trees in the orchard at New Warlands Farm – and members of the public have a chance to become part of the farm’s legacy by sponsoring one of them.
- For £20, you will receive a digital certificate of sponsorship and quarterly orchard updates.
- For £50, you will receive a digital certificate of sponsorship, quarterly orchard updates, plus your name featured on an Orchard Support Roll of Honour webpage.
- For £200, you will receive everything in the £50 category, plus your choice of tree variety, a personalised tree plaque, and invitations to exclusive supporter events.
Sponsoring a tree makes a great gift for birthdays or Christmas. Businesses can also get involved with larger sponsorship packages – and become part of something special.
ROLL OF HONOUR
In alphabetical order, these are the companies that have pledged support to the Growing Futures appeal so far:
Direct Business Group, Fortis Vision, Forvis Mazars, LM Global Telecoms, Liqui (in partnership with Mackenzie Thorpe), New Energy and Building Services Solutions, Newcastle Building Society, NHS Business Services Authority, Nissan, Northumbrian Water, Ringtons, Savills, Thatchers, Turner and Townsend, Unite Students, Vital Fire Solutions.
- Could you be added to the roll of honour? To find out more about the NEAS Business Club, sponsoring a tree, or other ways you can help, please contact the NEAS Fundraising Team on 0191 4109974 or email fundraising@ne-as.org.uk
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