Mecca Bingo “makes a wheel difference” in new partnership with Whizz-Kidz » Communities » 24dash.com

Mecca clubs and online players around the UK are hoping to raise £250,000 over the year-long partnership with the national children's mobility charity - supporting disabled young people become more independent, through vital mobility equipment and wheelchair skills training.

Commenting on the launch of the partnership, Simon Wykes, Managing Director of Mecca Bingo, said, “Mecca Bingo is delighted to partner with Whizz-Kidz for 2008. We are looking forward to raising money to buy equipment including powered wheelchairs that will give the children the fun and freedom that they deserve. Mecca clubs are at the heart of their local communities and we know our members and staff will have a lot of fun helping to make a difference, transforming the lives of young people and their families.”

Graham Kelly, Director of Fundraising at Whizz-Kidz, added: “We are thrilled that Mecca Bingo has chosen to support us – we believe the partnership will bring local people even closer together as they support disabled children to be more independent.
“With around 70,000 kids nationally in need of vital mobility equipment, everyone will know someone in their community or family that could benefit from our work."

Mecca Bingo supported the National Bingo Gaming Association’s (NBGA) Bingo for Breakthrough appeal from 2003 to 2007; the new partnership with Whizz-Kidz is the first time the national chain has taken on their own charity of the year and heralds an exciting new era for community fundraising. The fundraising campaign is entitled “Mecca Wheel Difference”.

It costs Whizz-Kidz an average of £9,000 to assess and provide a child with the right mobility equipment at the right time - and meet their individual needs. This includes qualified therapist support and wheelchair skills training to ensure children get the most from their equipment and learn essential road safety skills.

To find out more and help move a life forward visit: www.whizz-kidz.org.uk

For further information about Mecca please contact Alan Cameron or Suzi Burns on 0161 236 2277 or alternatively email; firstname.lastname@bisslancaster.com

For further information about Whizz-kids please contact Rob Dyson, PR Manager on 020 7798 6103 or r.dyson@whizz-kidz.org.uk.