A month-long fundraising drive is underway as part of LoungeAid 2026 – an annual initiative run by a popular chain of café bars across the UK.
Ely’s Piccolo Lounge – part of Lounge UK – is inviting the community to support a packed programme of fundraising events to raise funds for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
Its campaign has already got off to a flying start, with the venue’s monthly bingo night, held on Wednesday, raising an impressive £559.
More events are planned throughout the month, including a lemonade stand on 7th June, a jumble sale on 13th June and a bake sale on 21st June.
There will also be a raffle featuring prizes generously donated by local businesses, with the draw taking place on 1st July.
Rory Beavis, Supervisor at Piccolo Lounge, said: “We’re excited to be supporting EACH through LoungeAid 2026.
“EACH is a local charity that does such amazing work, supporting children and families during incredibly difficult times.
“The response from our customers and the local community has already been fantastic. Raising £559 through our bingo night was a brilliant start, and we’ve got plenty more events planned throughout June.
“We’d love people to come along, get involved and help us raise as much money as possible.”
Customers can also take part in a lollipop lucky dip running throughout June, offering the chance to win prizes including free coffees and slices of cake.
LoungeAid has become a major annual fundraising effort across the Lounge family. In 2025, teams nationwide raised a collective £217,200 through a variety of challenges and events, from endurance sports and cycling challenges to skydives and community fundraisers.
Cherryle Taplin-Olson, EACH’s Community Fundraiser for Cambridgeshire and West Essex, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone at Piccolo Lounge for choosing to support us through LoungeAid 2026.
“Fundraising initiatives like these make a real difference and help us continue providing specialist care and support to children, young people and families across East Anglia.
“We’re delighted to see the community coming together behind this fantastic programme of events and would like to thank everyone who gets involved and shows their support.”
