Cash secured from a company demolishing a city multi-storey car park has helped a dance school with kit to wear whilst representing Team England.
Cawarden donated £500 to Elite Academy of Performing Arts which it used to pay for hoodies for its dancers to wear in the recent Global Dance Open competition in Holland.
The money was donated through Lichfield District Council’s Social Value initiative which aims to see residents benefit directly from its procurement spend.
The scheme ensures that for every pound spent by the council on the delivery of goods, services and works, that pound will also produce wider social, economic, or environmental benefits for the community.
Councillor Rob Strachan, the council’s Cabinet Member for Finance and Commissioning, said: “There are many fantastic suppliers that are keen to help improve residents’ lives through social value, and many ways that they can make a contribution.
“The donation from Cawarden is a great example of social value in action, benefitting young people from across the district.”
Oliver Crooks, Commercial Director at Cawarden, said: “We are pleased to have had the opportunity to support Elite Academy by funding the local dance team’s clothing for an international competition.
“This sponsorship has allowed us to demonstrate our commitment to community engagement and exemplifies our dedication to the development and success of local youth.”
All 11 dancers from Lichfield-based Elite Academy of Performing Arts came home from the competition with at least one gold medal.
Donna Wilcox, Principal at Elite Academy of Performing Arts, said: “We’re really proud of the team that went to the Netherlands and the results are testament to all their hard work, but we couldn’t have participated without the support of our sponsors.
“We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to Cawarden for its sponsorship, which not only paid for the team’s kit but also towards the dancers’ fees. The team truly appreciates their support.”
The Birmingham Road multi-storey car park is being demolished as part of city centre regeneration plans.
