A COUNTY-wide health insurance service will host a masquerade ball to raise vital funds for a local charity.

Health-on-Line, based in Bournemouth, which serves the whole of the county, will host the event at the Hilton Hotel in aid of food bank charity Hope For Food.

The firm is now inviting businesses to help support them in raising the money by donning their masks and attending the ball.

The mask theme was chosen by the firm because many who are forced to use a food bank often put on a brave face and mask what the real problem is.

There will also be a charity auction at the event with the proceeds donated to the food bank.

Fiona Carter, brand and marketing manager at Health-on-Line explains said: “It is all too common to live behind a mask everyday – particularly amongst those in need.

"It may be trying to put on a brave face, in the midst of adversity, whether that is through lack of food, shelter or clothing which often can be through little fault of their own.

“We hope that as a local community, through this event we can support Hope For Food, through the vital work that they do – which may impact all of us at some point.”

Hope for Food was founded in 2012. It runs three soup kitchens a week and also stocks donated food items, clothes, shoes and bedding.

Health-on-Line is also looking for local businesses to donate prizes for auction during the event, in return for publicity.

Tickets to attend the event are available at £65, which include a three-course dinner, charity auction and entertainment.

This initiative falls under the company’s ongoing CSR programme which supports local community and charities.

The programme has included sponsorship of under 9’s football team Dexters, the support of community project, Shore Ideas and the raising of vital funds for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, Mosaic, Julias House, Busy Bees Nursery, Diverse Abilities and Lewis Manning Hospice.

To find out more about Health-on-Line’s work within the local community and the support it provides to charities within the Dorset area visit health-on-line.co.uk/were-different/our-work-within-the-community.

To donate a prize, or book tickets for the event call 01202 544249 or email lucy.kedge@health-on-line.co.uk