Sandra arranges VIP theatre visit for charity fundraisers

The wonderful ladies from the St Jospeh's Tuesday Club have raised thousands of pounds for charity over the years – so our Pudsey store's community champion Sandra Deakins arranged an extra special Christmas theatre trip for them to say thank you.

The group is celebrating its 20th anniversary, so Sandra, with the support of the Asda Foundation, treated them to a VIP visit to the West Yorkshire Playhouse to watch The Wizard of Oz.

They were picked up by coach, had refreshments and canapés on arrival, were escorted to the best seats in the house, and had ice cream during the interval.

Sandra said: "It was a brilliant night, and everyone really enjoyed themselves. They really appreciated what Asda had done for them – one lady said she felt like royalty!"

Sandra, who often helps out at the group, said: "They are a lovely little group; so friendly and welcoming. What I like is that although it's a Catholic church group it's open to everyone.

"Arranging for them to have VIP tickets to the theatre was such a lovely gesture as they love going out on trips!"

This Christmas the Asda Foundation is spreading festive magic by organising extra special surprises for groups like the Tuesday Club to enjoy,

Christine Rigby, who helps to run the club with Phyllis Dockerty, said:" We can't thank Asda enough for their generosity and kindness."

She said she knew Sandra had applied to the Asda Foundation for funding to help pay for a party to mark their 20th year, but hand't expected the level of support they ended up receiving.

Christine said: "We wanted hold a celebration plus a church service to remember those members who are sadly not with us. We received a cheque for £300 from the Asda Foundation for the party, which was lovely, and then completely out of the blue we were told how they wanted to take us on a VIP trip to the theatre. We were absolutely flabbergasted – we couldn't believe it."

"Over the years our group have raised more than £15,000 to various charities such as the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Wheatfields Hospice and groups within the parish. We have always been very generous and to show our appreciation for our trip to the theatre members held a collection for Farsley Foodbank."

The group of around 40 ladies meets every week for tea, coffee, bingo and a chat – plus they also go on various trips and outings.

Christine said: "The group is mainly made of of ladies who have lost their husbands, so the club is somewhere safe they can go to get together and not be on their own. A lot of the ladies are in their 80s, but we have one that's 97 too!"