Generous customers across 57 East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) charity shops have raised nearly £10,000 to fund special days out and activities for brothers and sisters supported by the charity. The Forging Friendships campaign encouraged shoppers to add an extra 25p to their bill at the till, with an original target of £8,500 to pay for dedicated sibling days across three hospice sites in Milton, Norwich, and Ipswich.
Fundraising Success
Supportive customers donated a total of £9,948, smashing the £8,500 target. Genine Woodcock, EACH retail central support manager, said: “It’s a fantastic amount of money, and we couldn’t be more grateful. Thanks to our amazing customers, we smashed our target, and it’s incredible how so many little donations add up.”
Impact on Siblings
The funded days give young people a chance to take a break, enjoy creative workshops or outdoor adventures, and spend time with others who understand their situation. Woodcock added: “These days are all about having fun and giving children the chance to simply be children. Siblings can sometimes feel overlooked because so much focus is understandably placed on the child receiving care. These activities provide emotional support, treasured memories and an opportunity to spend time with others who genuinely understand their situation.”
Free Books for Kids Initiative
The charity is also bringing back its Free Books for Kids initiative across all 57 stores, allowing young readers to pick up a free book during the school holidays. Woodcock said: “We’re thrilled to be running this fabulous initiative again. It’s a regular school holiday event for us, and, as ever, we hope it encourages and entertains young readers throughout the summer. It’s always popular and well-received, particularly during the school holidays when families may be struggling for low-cost ideas to keep children entertained.”
To find your nearest shop, visit the EACH website.
