Retail Trust | The only charity that looks after the needs of three million people working in retail.

Retail Trust London Ball to showcase industry issues and aim high with fundraising

This year’s Retail Trust London Ball, at the Grosvenor Hotel on 30th January, is set to be the most important and relevant yet, after a year of on-going retail industry turmoil.

With Retail Trust’s purpose focused on looking after the needs of all those who work in retail, the value of the industry leadership pulling together to fundraise for those in need of assistance is paramount, with previous years pulling in six figure levels of donations.

The Retail Trust Helpline has seen requests for counselling increase by 125% in 2011. To ensure retail staff needs can be met, as an additional access route for those seeking advice, there is the Helpline Online .

Nigel J L Rothband, Retail Trust’s Chief Executive explains: “The value of this event and the generosity of guests who show their support for all of those with careers in retail is phenomenal, and in the current climate we are delighted that the confirmed level of attendance is pretty close to last year. As always, the more contributions we can benefit from, the more people we can help.

A key element of the Ball in recent years has been the silent auction sponsored by American Express, featuring money can’t buy ‘packages’, donated by Retail Trust supporters, that can be bid for on the night, or just as easily in advance.

This year’s bid lots include:

• A work placement for a designer at Aquascutum
• A day spent shadowing Ann Summers’ boss Jacqueline Gold
• Shopping experiences ranging from Lakeside VIP treatment, to McArthur Glen’s Veneto designer outlet in Italy
• Designer items from a Julien MacDonald dress to a Jimmy Choo handbag and Hetty Rose shoes
• Plus sporting, dining, art and entertainment packages

Bid in advance here