Richard Balfour-Lynn presents £300,000 cheque to children's charity

Hotel mogul Richard Balfour-Lynn presented the Variety Club of Great Britain with a cheque for £300,000 at the club’s annual Christmas lunch on 15 December.

The money has been raised in just five months, through a corporate partnership between Balfour-Lynn’s hotel companies Alternative Hotel Group (AHG) and Marylebone Warwick Balfour (MWB) and the charity for sick, disabled and disadvantaged children. This highlights how charities, through corporate partnerships, are prospering despite the current economic climate.

Paul Lawrence, new Chief Barker for the Variety Club comments, “The Variety Club Children’s Charity is unique within the UK.  For 60 years, using a mix of celebrity supporters, a massive network of volunteers, the dedication of a small team of staff and the tremendous support of individuals and companies, we have helped sick, disabled and disadvantaged children lead independent, rich and fulfilling lives.

“We recognise that 2010 will be a challenging year but our new relationship with the AHG/MWB Groups which include Liberty of London, Malmaison and Hotel Du Vin, the De Vere and Village Hotel chains has the potential to raise millions for the Variety Club. We are also looking forward to benefiting from the support of thousands of employees of the Co-operative Group.”

Celebrating its Diamond Jubilee this year, the Variety Club has raised over £200 million and improved the lives of more than a million children and young people since its inception.

Interview: Richard Balfour-Lynn on De Vere, Malmaison and Searcys >>

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By Rosie Birkett

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