Self-made businessman Mike Holland is the Secret Millionaire in the episode to be shown on Sunday (4 December).
The Brighton-based property tycoon is transported to Grimsby where the organisations that he works with help him deal with tragedy from his own family past.
Mr Holland, who restored Stanmer House and owns the British Engineerium in Hove, was amazed by how charities ran on just a shoestring.
He said: “I was very impressed with the resourcefulness of the people involved in organising and running the various charities that I discovered in the Grimsby area.
“It made me realise that while it is extremely difficult for charities in Southern England to make ends meet and survive, at least we have businesses here we can approach for funds.
“Some areas in the North East did not look as though there was any money, anywhere, to ask for.
“Despite the difficulties, through sheer determination some of these organisations manage to survive and I am full of admiration for the individuals concerned.
“People such as these are the real backbone of our country and give best value for money.
“This needs to be realised by government because if cuts are to be made anywhere, only a fool would apply those cuts to the voluntary sector.”
