Following a successful Mayor’s Ball at Morpeth Golf Club, the town’s Mayor has launched a new festive campaign to recognise and celebrate the generosity of local businesses that have supported her charity, Macmillan Cancer Support.

Cllr Rachael Hogg’s initiative, titled ‘The Mayor of Morpeth’s Fortnight of Giving’, offers a creative twist on the traditional Twelve Days of Christmas – extending the theme to 14 days to highlight each of the 14 participating businesses.

The campaign is running across the Mayor’s social media channels and local community pages, dedicating one day to promoting each business that has contributed to her fundraising efforts.

Through this, Cllr Hogg hopes to shine a light not only on Macmillan Cancer Support, but also on the kindness and community spirit of Morpeth’s traders. The majority of the businesses involved are local independents.

Mayor Rachael Hogg, left, and fellow Morpeth town councillor Jade Crawford pictured during the Mayor's Ball.

placeholder image — Mayor Rachael Hogg, left, and fellow Morpeth town councillor Jade Crawford pictured during the Mayor's Ball.

Supporters of the Fortnight of Giving include Winn Electrical Services, Jo Mac Acupuncture, Skin & Co, Jessica Jade Skincare and Aesthetics, S G Aesthetics, Morpeth Retreat, Morrisons Morpeth, Roc Studio, David Auld & Co, Morpeth Golf Club, Enjoy Beers and Ciders, Lollo Rosso, Laura Anderson Hair & Beauty, JS Lake Counselling and Therapy, Savoy by Le Raj.

The Mayor said: “Businesses get asked by many charitable organisations to donate to good causes and it occurred to me that it’s a very one-sided arrangement.

“In the modern age of digital advertising and social media, I thought it would be a great idea to promote their generosity and give something back.

“Customers like to hear how local businesses support the community and good causes, and that they have a social conscience. The response to the campaign has been very positive and the businesses were very keen to take part.”

A graphic for the Mayor of Morpeth’s Fortnight of Giving campaign.

Cllr Hogg also reached out to local businesses for support with the tombola and auction prizes for the Mayor’s Ball in aid of Macmillan.

Thanks to the combined support of attendees and donors, the ball raised more than £2,200 for the charity – each contributor donated items for the tombola or prizes for the auction.

Businesses that supported the Mayor’s Ball included Rutherfords of Morpeth, Osborne Jewellers, The Bee and Botanist, Joe’s Pet Supplies, The Townhouse Morpeth, Tallantyre Gallery, Barbour, Morpeth Bridge Street Apartments, The Jewellers Guild, Lateral Art, Bella Boo’s, The Pavilion Tipi, Grape and Grain.

Cllr Hogg expressed her gratitude to all involved, praising the town’s strong community spirit and the willingness of local businesses to support charitable causes.

She hopes the success of both the Fortnight of Giving and the Mayor’s Ball will inspire further collaboration between local enterprises and community organisations.

The Fortnight of Giving continues online throughout December, with daily posts celebrating each contributor and highlighting the vital work that Macmillan Cancer Support provides to people living with cancer and their families.