Fizz and festivals – how one business is supporting NDADA

Barefoot ball
One north Devon company is giving NDADA centre stage at some very hip happenings

Rustic feasts and flower crowns aren’t the first things that come to mind when thinking of domestic abuse prevention and awareness, but one north Devon company is giving NDADA centre stage at some very hip happenings

Blue Fizz, an event management company which organises weddings, parties corporate events, heard about the charity through a mutual contact and were invited to participate in 2017’s Inspiring Women event. It was the start of a beautiful relationship which has led to much collaboration to help raise awareness and funds.

‘How we support NDADA changes all the time,’ says Tracy Edwards, co-owner of Blue Fizz. ‘At one event, we put on a luxury raffle and asked local business to donate prizes in exchange for social media coverage. The money raised through ticket sales was then donated to the charity.’

NDADA volunteers regularly attend Blue Fizz events – as does the re:store Express bus (the charity’s mobile pop-up shop) – and use their brilliant creativity to create items for sale such as beautiful headwear for the balls and festivals.

‘We’re always happy to give our time to help the charity however we can. They are very creative ladies and we’re happy to share ideas and come up with new and different ways to reach our audience and raise funds.’

Raising awareness

There have been many memorable moments over the years, but one that stands out for Tracy is when Alessia Sheldon, Retail and Community Fundraising Manager for NDADA, gave a moving and empowering speech to a packed room at the Barefoot Ball.

‘Alessia was a bit nervous and when she started speaking there was still a bit of chatter and noise in the room,’ remembers Tracy. ‘But by the time she finished she had captured everyone’s attention and you could see the impact she had made. This was a unique opportunity to reach a different audience and help raise awareness.’

Blue Fizz continue to support the charity because they feel domestic abuse is a serious issue that is often brushed under the carpet.

‘North Devon is a close-knit community and there are plenty of opportunities for local companies to help NDADA,’ says Tracy. ‘Small charities can often be overlooked but helping in any way you can is really worthwhile.’

How can you help?

When businesses support NDADA they not only help a charity that relies entirely on donations to exist, but also fulfil their responsibilities to address the issue of domestic abuse with staff. Here are some ways that businesses can work with NDADA:

  • Make NDADA your charity of the year
  • Hold coffee mornings and cake sales at work
  • Hold social events for your team or your clients at one of our shops in Barnstaple or Bideford. Provide drinks and nibbles, and let guests enjoy some shopping
  • Introduce a Give As You Earn (GAYE) scheme where employees can donate directly from their salary each month before tax
  • Provide a one-off donation

All support is gratefully received.