A 50 STRONG group of self-funded volunteers has made it their mission to transform the fortunes of smaller charities in their community.

With many smaller, lesser known charities facing drastic cuts in government funding, and those struggling to survive on the brink of closure, it has never been more apparent that communities need to unite to save those in crisis on their doorstep.

The Charity Dreamgirls & Friends are a true example of a Northern institution setting the standards of community development and creating unique opportunities for their Charity Partners to convey their message to millions.

Founded in 2007 by Kate Hardcastle, what began as a small-scale project has rocketed, seeing the numbers of volunteers increase tenfold and the results created being recognised on a National level. In 2010 alone the organisation created 37 million opportunities for the general public to read about their Charity Partners, with one charity going on to report a 57% increase in calls to their helpline.

Kate understands the challenges faced by smaller charities: “Competition for attention is rife in the charity world, many big brands have the budget to get in front of the general public, many smaller ones don’t. This lack of awareness creates a vicious circle for these charities; if the community you operate within doesn’t know you exist, how are they supposed to donate?”

The Charity Dreamgirls was established to change that – over the course of a year the Dreamgirls represent their chosen charities by organising events solely aimed at increasing the general public’s awareness of their Charity Partners.

This has led to the Charity Dreamgirls being the only organisation of their kind to have a full weekend dedicated to them bi-annually by the Trafford Centre. On the May 21 and 22 they will take to the stage to communicate the message of their Charity Partners to 10,000 shoppers an hour – an opportunity otherwise not available to them.

In 2011, representing Willow Foundation, Overgate Hospice and Retail Trust, the Dreamgirls have set themselves the challenge of performing 3 sets across both days, with a ‘Decades’ theme. The day will also include prize giveaways (including a star prize of two Take That tickets).