Adding this year’s fundraising total means since 2017, Strictly Christmas has raised nearly £480,000 for the local charity.
The 5th anniversary show, which took place at The Royal Court Hotel on the 16th & 17th December, saw a panel of celebrity judges’ critique 24 contestants, and their experienced dance partners. The 2022 judging panels include former Strictly Come Dancing pro dancer AJ Pritchard, Dancing With The Stars & Love Island’s Curtis Pritchard, Ian Waite, who took part in seven series of Strictly Come Dancing and BAFTA Award-winning actor David Bradley, who played Mr Filch in the Harry Potter movie series.
Recruited from across Coventry & Warwickshire, 24 novice dancers had just 8-weeks to learn two dances – a Ballroom Waltz and a Latin Jive – before performing, with their experienced dance partner, at the two glittering shows in front of the judges and audiences of over 700 people.
Zoë’s Place Baby Hospice Coventry provides respite, palliative and end-of-life care to babies and infants with life-threatening or life-limiting conditions and relies on fundraising and donations to fund its services.
Contestants commit to raising a minimum of £500 in a variety of ways – from blackout cards, tin rattling and bake sales, through to race nights and an online auction.
The event was sponsored by Genesis Employment Services, Coombe Abbey Hotel, CV Life, Sky Blues in the Community and Dale Furey Flooring Installer.
Strictly Christmas Show Director, James Sanders, said: “We wanted our 5th Anniversary show to be the biggest and best yet. We are beyond amazed at the levels of fundraising achieved this year – both by our contestants and experienced dancers, but also by the generosity of our sponsors and our audience.
“We are incredibly proud to look back at what Strictly Christmas has achieved since 2017, supporting the vital work of Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice, and even more so to think that this event is orgainsed by a small volunteer team. However, it is definitely a team effort with over 100 contestants taking on their own Strictly Christmas journey over the years, supported by our team of experienced dancers, choreographers and an army of supporters.
“None of this would have been possible without the incredible support we have received from our local business community.
“Most importantly, we continue to dedicate our time and energy to support the babies, children and the families who rely on the support and services of Zoë’s Place.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported Strictly Christmas since 2017 to help us raise funds for this amazing charity.”
Ian Carr, Head of Fundraising at Zoë’s Place, said: “There aren’t enough words to describe how grateful we are here at Zoë’s Place for the incredible Strictly Christmas team. For the contestants to go out of their comfort zones, learn a new skill, dedicate 8 plus weeks, perform fantastically in front of 700 people as well as putting in huge effort to raise nearly £130,000 is genuinely mind-blowing. We appreciate the massive effort of the Strictly committee and everyone involved in this brilliant event. It really will help to change the lives of the families we support and the babies and infants we care for.”
If you would like any more information on how you can support Strictly Christmas, you can get in touch by searching ‘Strictly Christmas’ on Facebook or by emailing [email protected]. Applications for Strictly Christmas 2023 will open in May 2023 so if you’re interested in taking part, keep your eyes on our social media channels.
