Macleod Roofing has donated £10,000 to kickstart the Elsie Normington Foundation’s upcoming Dragons’ Den fundraiser, set to take place on 25 April 2025.
Following this commitment, the company is now calling on other local businesses to join them in supporting the event, which aims to empower Highland charities and foster community development.
Elizabeth Mackintosh, who has been patron of the Foundation for three years, explained: “Next year we are holding a Dragon’s Den dinner, raising money not just for the Elsie Normington Foundation but also five local charities that might not otherwise have access to funding.
“Charities will have the opportunity to put their case forward to our panel of ‘Dragons’ who will decide how the money will be divided up.
“Macleod Roofing has kindly started this off with a very generous £10,000 donation. We are so grateful for their support, and hope that other businesses in the area will follow their example and support great local causes.”
Sandy Macleod, managing director of Macleod Roofing, echoed Elizabeth’s sentiments, saying: “The work that the Elsie Normington Foundation does for people and families in the north of Scotland is extraordinary, so we are proud to support them in their mission to provide vital facilities in Inverness. Both Elizabeth and Elsie are true inspirations, dedicating their time and efforts to make a difference in our community.
“At Macleod Roofing, we believe that supporting local charities not only strengthens the fabric of our community but also fosters a sense of connection and belonging. By investing in our neighbours, we can tackle the unique challenges we face together and create sustainable solutions that benefit everyone.
“For this reason, I’m calling on other local businesses to join the Elsie Normington Foundation in this important mission. When we come together to support local causes, we can amplify our efforts and drive meaningful change in the Highlands.”
The Elsie Normington Foundation was founded 11 years ago by disability campaigner and author Elsie Normington, whose son Andrew was diagnosed with a severe and intractable form of epilepsy when he was just four years old.
She said: “We decided to think out of the box to deliver a new fundraising event and came up with the Dragon’s Den format.
“This event will not only benefit the Elsie Normington Foundation but also other local charities, who will pitch to the dragons for a share of the prize pot. Each charity taking part will receive a share of the prize pot.
“We are very excited to be launching this event and look forward to working with our sponsors and partners in the coming months to orchestrate an unforgettable event, which will not only provide a funding boost to the charities involved but also greater awareness of these fantastic local charities who do so much good in our local community.”
