Charity streets ahead as Mayor helps raise £4,000
The impact of HS2, business and economic growth, and tackling homelessness all came under the spotlight when the West Midlands Mayor was guest of honour at a charity fundraising event.
Andy Street took questions from more than 100 members and guests from Pedmore Sporting Club (PSC) at the event at Hagley Hall, Stourbridge.
The event, which was sponsored by property investors and developers Barberry Group, raised in excess of £4,000 for good causes, including Acorns Children's Hospice.
Mr Street, who was elected the region's first metro Mayor in 2017, discussed his aims for 2020 and beyond, including zero youth unemployment, an increase in housebuilding and improved transport.
He claimed HS2 would help to revive the West Midlands economy, generate employment and unite the country.
The historic Long Room at Hagley Hall was packed for the event, which was attended by PSC's patron, Lord Cobham, PSC president Jon Bellfield, who is executive chairman of Belbroughton-based Barberry Group, and PSC chairman Adrian Grainger.
On the request of Mr Street, a portion of the cash raised will go to Acorns, which is fighting to raise funds to keep its Walsall hospice open.
PSC was founded in Stourbridge almost 50 years ago and has since raised and donated more than £1.5 million to local good causes.
A summer ball raised £20,000 for Acorns, meningitis and eczema charities, while funds raised from celebrity luncheons have also enabled the club to donate £15,000 for life-saving equipment to Severn Area Rescue Association, and £8,000 for a new computer system to streamline the handling of thousands of meals for the Black Country Food Bank.
Other good causes to have received support include the Samaritans, local hospices and groups helping people with disabilities.
For more information visit pedmoresportingclub.com
