Vanarama founder unveils major philanthropy drive

A vehicle leasing firm entrepreneur has unveiled a seven-figure drive to help people thrive.

Andy Alderson has committed £100,000 to create new opportunities across the North East.

The Vanarama founder has launched the £150,000 North East Roots Challenge alongside Community Foundation North East – and is now calling on other successful people with links to the region to back the venture.

Andy, who grew up in Newcastle’s Benton suburb, has joined Community Foundation North East’s growing network of North East Roots Ambassadors with an initial £50,000 donation to support grassroots charities and community organisations. 

And he has challenged friends, colleagues and business leaders to match that with a further £50,000. 

Once that target is reached, Andy has pledged to unlock a further £50,000, creating a potential £150,000 for the North East Roots Fund.

The challenge forms part of Community Foundation North East’s wider North East Roots campaign, which is already approaching the halfway mark in a push to raise more than £1 million.

The announcement accompanies a new North East Roots film that follows Andy’s journey from leaving school with no qualifications to starting as an apprentice at Greggs and founding and building Vanarama before selling the business in a nine-figure deal.

He said: “Everything I’ve achieved started with the opportunities I was given in the North East. 

“I was lucky enough to have people who believed in me when I needed it most and, looking back, I know none of us really build anything alone. 

“This challenge is my way of giving something back to the place that shaped me. 

“I know just how much opportunity can change someone’s life.”

The money Andy raises will go to the North East Roots Fund, which supports organisations and programmes focused on tackling poverty upstream.

Michael Heppell, North East Roots Ambassadors chair, said: “What makes this so special isn’t the generosity of his gift; it’s the invitation Andy is extending to others to give back too. 

“He’s leading by example, showing how becoming a North East Roots Ambassador can be an opportunity to invest in the people and communities that helped shape who you are.”

John Hollingsworth, Community Foundation North East chief philanthropy and development officer, added: “Andy understands success doesn't happen in isolation. 

“His generosity, combined with this challenge to his network, will create a lasting legacy for communities across the North East.”

To find out more about the North East Roots Challenge, becoming a North East Roots Ambassador or supporting Community Foundation North East, visit www.northeastroots.org.uk

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