Jilly Cosgrove (Far Left) and members of PFK hand over 1,500 Christmas presents to Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid
Birmingham’s property and construction sector has donated more than 1,500 gifts to disadvantaged children following one of the region’s biggest festive fundraisers.
The Snowball, organised by charity Property for Kids (PFK), saw 600 professionals gather at The Jam House in St Paul’s Square to enjoy live music by bands, Hot Property and Under Construction, whose members all work in the property and construction industry.
Guests each brought gift-wrapped Christmas presents to the annual networking event, which have been donated to Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid. The charity, which supports women and children affected by domestic violence, will distribute the gifts to youngsters through its regional network of drop-in centres and refuge accommodation.
All proceeds from ticket sales will be used to fund Christmas parties hosted by other local charities and schools.
PFK has distributed hundreds of thousands of pounds to more than 50 different children’s charities since its inception in the 1980s, and delivered assets including a safe playground, a minibus and specialist equipment.
Its Snowball event is one of the most popular dates in the Birmingham business calendar and was sponsored this year by ESC, GMI Construction, McCarthys, MFG Solicitors, O’Brien Contractors Limited, Overbury and Willmott Dixon.
Chairman of Property for Kids, Jilly Cosgrove, said: “We are thrilled to have donated so many Christmas gifts to Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid. Sometimes it’s not about the amount of money spent, it’s about bringing a smile to the faces of local children who are going through some really tough times.
“Our regional property and construction community has always worked together for the betterment of others. We’re very fortunate that the Snowball continues to be so well supported, both in terms of sponsorship and the number of gifts that are generously donated by businesses in the West Midlands.”
Anna Fawcett, Income Generation and Corporate Relationships Manager at Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid, said: “We’ve been overwhelmed with the support shown from the wonderful folk who attend the Snowball, and our friends at PFK who put on the most fabulous party each year. Despite the economic climate, attendees went above and beyond with lovingly wrapped gifts, and by the end of the night our van was full to bursting with quality toys for children we support in the local area. On behalf of them we want to say thank you so much!”
