FEMALE fundraisers are stepping out of their comfort zones and onto a ‘dating scene’ with a difference.
More than 30 women, aged between 18 and 80, will stand in front of the camera striking a series of cheeky poses for a ‘sassy and sophisticated’ charity calendar in aid of a host of nominated local and national charities.
And among those taking part is a familiar face on local and national screens, former TV newsreader Suzanne Virdee from Redditch.
Suzanne is best known in the Midlands for co-presenting the 6.30pm BBC regional news programme Midlands Today along with Nick Owen for 11 years.
Over her career she’s also been a passionate supporter and mentor to women starting out in journalism.
And, as a published author of A Girl’s Guide To Being Awesome and the best-selling A Teenager’s Guide To Being Fabulous, she empowers young girls with advice on navigating the difficult teenage years.
Suzanne’s chosen charity for the calendar is WAITS (Women Acting in Today’s Society), based in Birmingham.
She said: “When I was asked to be part of this project I absolutely had to say ‘yes’.
“I am passionate about helping to empower all women to flourish in every area of their lives and this is a brilliant and fun way to do it.
“I’m really excited to meet and make friends with all the women involved in making this calendar.
“Even more than that I’m thrilled to be able to shine a light on the different issues that stop women reaching their full potential and am delighted to be raising money to do something about it.”
The featured ladies will gather for photoshoot days at Mallory Court Hotel and Spa in Leamington in the spring ahead of the calendar’s grand reveal at a stylish red carpet screening event at The Birmingham Repertory Theatre later in the year.
Some of the charities set to benefit include Molly Ollys, Coventry, Warwickshire and Worcestershire Mind, and Prostate Cancer UK.
Ladies First holds monthly meetings which hear from inspirational speakers, provide informative business skills workshops and make new introductions.
Visit ladiesfirstnetwork.co.uk for more information.
