Co-op Funeral Directors, together with the other businesses who make up local independent co-op society Chelmsford Star, has raised their highest amount of fundraising ever for the charity Little Havens Hospice. Together, colleagues and customers have collected a whopping £77,912 for the charity, which is the only place in Essex wholly dedicated to looking after babies, children and teenagers with an illness which could shorten their life
The co-op, which also owns food, travel, and Quadrant department stores across the region, raised funds through their employees and customers as part of their Charity of the Year Scheme. Money was collected through marathon runs, fancy dress, book sales and the generosity of their customers throughout a year of celebrations for their 150th birthday. Meanwhile, the funeral team did a sponsored walk that took in all their homes across Essex. Further funds were also raised by the charity itself through the signing up of shoppers to the Little Haven’s weekly draw. Specifically, £38,964 was raised in stores, with £38,948 pledged through the charity’s weekly draw.
Carmel Hudson, Community Fundraising Manager for Little Havens Hospice, said; “On behalf of everyone at Little Havens I’d like to thank everyone at Chelmsford Star. We have to raise £46,000 a week to be there for every youngster that needs us. We can only do this because of the kindness of our supporters who fundraise for us like the staff and customers at Chelmsford Star.
“By supporting us over the past year every staff member and customer of the co-op is helping a baby, child or teenager living with a serious illness be as pain free and comfortable as possible. You’ve truly helped us fulfil our promise of ‘Making every day count’.”
Kevin Bennett, Head of Membership & Marketing for Chelmsford Star added; “It is heart-warming to know that, even during challenging financial times, the people of Essex are proving to be more generous and eager to support local causes than ever before.”
For more information on Chelmsford Star’s fund-raising initiatives, contact Kevin on Kevin@chelmsfordstar.coop. If you’d like more information on Little Havens Hospice, contact visit www.havenshospices.org.uk