Dream-A-Way, which offers grants towards holidays for disabled and seriously ill people of all ages living in Devon,Cornwalland the Scilly Isles, has received a special Anniversary present from the Retailer in the shape of a sensational Mercedes-Benz A-Class. The news comes after the Princesshay shopping centre inExeterannounced it would be supporting the charity throughout 2014 too.
The car has been donated as the top prize in a raffle that is being organised to raise vital funds to support Dream-A-Way’s sterling work in being able to offer luxury caravan breaks, personalised holidays, outings and day trips.
Formed in 1993, (by a group of 10 friends, some of who are still involved with the charity’s work) Dream-A-Way has now raised more than £1.7 million and helped more than 15,000 people. It was awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2008.
Organisers hope that Mercedes-Benz ofExeter’s donation will provide an extra boost for their fund-raising and attract new supporters.
“Never in our wildest dreams could any of the original Dream-A-Way founders have imagined that the charity would have achieved what it has done over the years – not only in fund-raising terms but also in being able to put smiles onto the faces of so many special people,” said Jeff Merrett MBE Chairman of Dream-A-Way
“We have been fortunate to have been able to call upon the generosity of many sponsors and supporters, which now includes Mercedes-Benz of Exeter,” he added. “Their donation of a new A-Class is absolutely fantastic and a tremendous prize that really does make our 21st anniversary raffle something special.”
Ian White, Sales Director at Mercedes-Benz ofExeter, said: “It’s our pleasure to be able to support Dream-A-Way and the phenomenal work that they do in funding holidays and breaks for people from across the South West.
“With its dynamic styling and superb performance, the A-Class has generated huge interest in our showroom and we hope that it will do the same for Dream-A-Way by boosting funds in its landmark year.”
Amongst the locations selling tickets for the raffle is the Princesshay shopping centre in Exeter, where Dream-A-Way will have a presence most weekends. They can be acquired from the charity’s volunteer team outside Debenhams or purchased online.
“Each year we officially support a different local charity by helping raise awareness, fundraising and supporting them with events and promotion in the centre,” explained Andy Littlejohns, Princesshay’s Operations Manager. “For 2014, we have selected Dream-A-Way as our chosen charity and will be getting involved with them in various ways as a means of increasing their profile and raising awareness of the sterling work that they do within the local community.”
