A JUVENILE jazz band is getting in tune thanks to a charity handout.
Erimus Housing hit the right note when it donated £500 to the Cleveland Crusaders to help pay towards instruments and uniforms.
The money was a welcome boost to the group, which recently suffered heartache when much of its equipment was destroyed in a fire.
Sue Jeffrey, secretary of the group, said: “We struggle to find money to pay for these things in the first place and now we have lost so much; we are devastated.
“We want to give the children something to do instead of being on the streets. Our aim is to entertain and educate the children.
“The children get a musical education, find friendship, learn discipline and gain the ability to go on and achieve something in life.”
Currently 22 youngsters from across Middlesbrough are members of the group, ranging from the age of five up to 13.
The Crusaders, trained by Kevin Gibson, started in 2010 and now train at Park End Primary School, competing on a weekend.
Member Charlie Loughran, 14, said: “I have been involved since I was six. I like everything about it; we all enjoy it and just want it to keep going.”
Chris Smith, Managing Director of Erimus Housing, said: “Being members of the Cleveland Crusaders has a range of benefits for the youngsters and is something we are keen to promote.
“We hope the donation will not only encourage more young people to join, but will go some way towards replacing the items they recently lost.”
The members of the Cleveland Crusaders are now celebrating after learning they will compete in the World Championships in Wales on 26th August.
Anyone who can help with donations towards the trip should contact Sue Jeffrey on 01642 504582.
© Copyright 2010 Erimus Housing
