POSTCODE LOTTERY SUPPORT FOR ECO-FRIENDLY PROJECTS

Bringing communities together and making them a better place to live are key objectives of GoodFund. The charity lottery organiser has just handed over its first cheque to a local environmental charity from the proceeds of the North East Postcode Lottery.

Groundwork North East received a GoodFund cheque for £2,212 at The Greenhouse, one of Groundwork West Durham’s regeneration projects at Greencroft Industrial Park in Annfield Plain, County Durham. The money will assist Groundwork to deliver environmentally led regeneration projects to help people in disadvantaged areas throughout the region.

Manuela Wendler, executive manager of GoodFund, said: “We strive to support local charities that work in areas such as regional development, children’s wellbeing, poverty relief and nature and wildlife conservation. Projects like this provide an excellent example of how sustainable energy concepts can be applied in the region, using our own natural resources.”

Mervyn Blades, regional director of Groundwork North East added: "We very much appreciate working with GoodFund and look forward to further significant future revenues which will come from the success of the Postcode Lottery in the region. These funds will contribute towards our work in regeneration."

Currently on site but due for completion by March 2006, The Greenhouse at Annfield Plain is such an example of Groundwork’s efforts. An eco-friendly 30,000 square feet business centre, it provides premises for 21 small businesses, conference facilities plus an organic café.

Powered by renewable energy sources, it uses a wind turbine that, combined with special roof units, generates air conditioning, while the man-made lake heats up the building. The aim is also to encourage wildlife to settle in the area.

Groundwork is one of six permanent beneficiaries in the region that have received a total of £11,060 from proceeds of the first four monthly lottery draws organised by the North East Postcode Lottery.

More information on GoodFund or the Postcode Lottery can be obtained by visiting the websites www.goodfund.org or www.postcodelottery.co.uk.