Charity Christmas Auction

Off Centre's auction - Thursday 23 November - was a great evening and a fantastic success.

All of us at Off Centre have been completely overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone who was involved in making this happen.

Attendees had the opportunity to bid for a unique range of Christmas lots, raising funds that will directly benefit local young people. Items included a Hirsh 18 carat gold watch, a day's sailing for 7 people aboard "Duet" winner of the 1999 Cutty Sark Tall Ships Race, signed sketches by Frank Skinner and Nick Parks ("Chicken Run"), pop memorabilia signed by Stephen Gately, Lolly, and Five, original art by Kate Malone, Karen Souza, Aretha George and Shane McGowan, books signed by Dick King Smith (Babe the sheep pig) and a selection of tickets for family days and meals for two at some of London's top restaurants.

We are particularly grateful for all the individual people and organisations who donated such wonderful items for the auction; and to the Sports and Social Committee of FT.com Information Services for all the planning and work that went into organising the event, writing to potential donors, distributing flyers and press releases, endless conversations on the telephone and by email with agents and the press.

Thanks especially to Jenny, Simon, Anna, Pollyanna and Claudia. Without these people it would not have happened.

As a result of the efforts of so many fantastic people, and with the generous match funding by Pearson Group, the total raised so far is approximately £13,000.

There are many, many ways that this money will directly benefit young people in Hackney who have a need for the services that Off Centre provides.

Ways that this money could be used:

Alterations to the building to provide a space for young people to meet, relax, provide and receive peer support and advocacy, have a quiet private time before or after counselling sessions, have use of computers and telephone for housing, employment or training enquiries.

Contributing to our Client assistance fund, which helps young homeless people, often who are without benefits, whilst they are working towards securing accommodation.

Providing more counselling sessions for young people

Providing baby changing and play facilities for parents who use our service

So, from everyone at Off Centre - THANK YOU