York Against Cancer receives over £2,300 thanks to innovative fundraiser

Visitors to the launch of Advent Leisure Homes’ Leisure Lodge Show Village at Huntington in April generously donated the price of their lunch and drinks to York Against Cancer. Advent paid for all the food and drink on offer during the trade and public open days and simply requested that visitors make a donation equal to the purchase price. York Against Cancer’s volunteers manned the refreshment stall throughout the four day launch period. Nearly 1400 people enjoyed viewing the 12 luxury leisure lodges on permanent display during the public open weekend.

This unusual and very effective initiative was the brainchild of Advent’s Managing Director, Bill Clarke, who commented: “We knew we were taking a risk with this type of fundraiser, but we were overwhelmed by the public’s generosity with many people donating much more than the price of their food and drink. We aimed high, setting a target of £2,000 and therefore I am delighted to give a cheque for £2,341.47 to this important charity on behalf of Advent and all the visitors who came to the launch of the Leisure Lodge Show Village.”

Julie Barnie, General Manager of York Against Cancer added: “The money raised at the Advent event will be added to our minibus fund. The York Against Cancer minibus is proving a great success and is very useful if cancer patients from York are receiving treatments in Leeds. Although the initial campaign raised more than £100,000 – enough to buy the vehicle and run it for a year – we must continue with the service. Therefore the money raised at the opening of the Leisure Lodge Show Village will boost the fund very substantially.”

Europe’s largest Leisure Lodge Show Village opens in UK

A fantastic atmosphere, 12 luxurious leisure lodges, rousing tunes from the Shepherd Group Brass band, a warm welcome and speech from the Lord Mayor of York and the Sheriff of York, helpful staff and useful information from Park Owners from across the UK, all came together to make for an incredible opening weekend of the Advent Leisure Lodge Show Village – the largest Show Village of its kind in Europe.

This brand new permanent Show Village is home to 12 beautifully decorated lodges made by Advent Leisure Homes and available in a range of styles, with plenty of options to upgrade or decorate any of the models to individual preferences. An on-site Park Locator makes deciding where to site your leisure lodge, so easy.

The Opening of the Show Village to the public over the weekend of the 12th and 13th April 2008 was blessed by blue skies and more than 1200 people turned up to enjoy the event in York. The official opening was by the Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Irene Waudby with the releasing of balloons, unveiling of a commemoration plaque and welcome speech.


Charity & Hog Roasts

York Against Cancer were celebrating too after receiving £2,346.47 in proceeds from the generous visitors. Advent Leisure Homes covered the costs of refreshments and food over the busy weekend and all money paid by visitors went to this remarkable local charity. Visitors to the Advent Leisure Lodge Show Village were treated to a hearty offering of hot rolls from local supplier D&Y Taylor Hog Roast, whilst the tireless volunteers from York Against Cancer kept the tea, coffees, snacks and soft drinks flowing.

Adding choice to luxury leisure living, the Show Village also plays host to a display of luxury boats and vehicles. Motor boats by York Marina at Naburn, motoring options supplied by Armstrong Massey Land Rover and a super luxury Bentley from what the Sunday Times calls ‘Britain’s premier dealer in top marques’ Tom Hartley of Overseal in Derbyshire

A Trade opening took place over the two days before the Public Opening and was also an outstanding success for Advent Leisure Homes Managing Director Bill Clarke and his dedicated team. Mike McCann, Chairman of the British Holiday and Home Parks Association, along with Peter Draper, Chairman of the National Caravan Council welcomed over 70 Park Owners from across the country.

Show dates for 2008

You can see Advent homes at various exhibitions throughout 2008...


National Park Home & Leisure Lodge Show

Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire. July 16th - 20th
www.parkhomeandleisure.co.uk

Caravan & Motor Home Show

West Point Center, Clyst St Mary, Exeter. October 8th - 12th