Despite having to cancel its annual charity Gala Ball, which was to take place in April, the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA) is donating £5,000 to the Chairman’s Charity, Grief Encounter.

Every year, thanks to the generosity of members and their guests, the CHSA raises thousands of pounds for the Chairman’s Charity at its Gala Ball – in 2019 the CHSA raised £8,000 for Grief Encounter. The social distancing essential to tackling the coronavirus meant this year’s Gala Ball has been cancelled so the CHSA took action.

“Charities have suffered in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic,” explained David Garcia, Vice President of the CHSA and the driving force behind the Association’s Gala Ball. “The cancellation of events like ours is having an impact so we took a decision to make a donation of £5,000 now.”

The Gala Ball has been re-scheduled for 23 April 2021 at the De Vere Staverton Estate. The donation being made now is an advance on the sum the CHSA expects to raise in 2021.

1 in 29 children in the UK under the age of 16 will suffer the death of a parent. Rebuilding a new life after the death of a loved one is hard for everyone, but especially for children and young people. Once the shock and trauma of a life changing event such as bereavement has been managed, finding a way to move forward must begin. Children have an overwhelming sense of confusion, fear and anxiety, alongside their grief, which must be cared for in order for them to continue into adulthood with a sense of confidence and long-lasting happiness.

Richard Fogelman, Chief Executive Office of Grief Encounter, said: “This is truly amazing. Thank you. At a time when demand is higher than ever and donations will be decreasing, this has come as a most welcome surprise. We really can’t thank you enough for all your support, from everyone at Grief Encounter, really incredible.”

@CHSACleaning