Kind-hearted shoppers are being invited to spare an extra 25p at the till as part of a new campaign helping create days out and activities for siblings supported by East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
The six-week Forging Friendships retail donation campaign is being rolled out today across EACH’s 56 shops in Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk.
When paying at the till, customers are being encouraged to make a small contribution that will help fund dedicated sibling days for bereaved youngsters, as well as those who have brothers or sisters receiving care.
The target is to raise £26 a week at every EACH shop, which is enough to pay for a sibling day at all three of the charity’s hospices – at Milton, near Cambridge, The Nook, near Norwich, and The Treehouse, in Ipswich.
“We’re incredibly excited to launch this campaign and hope customers get behind it,” said Genine Woodcock, EACH’s Retail Central Support Manager.
“Just 25p may not sound like much, but those small donations quickly add up and can help fund truly special experiences for siblings who are often facing incredibly difficult circumstances.
“Of course, there’s no obligation to donate and customers certainly don’t have to give anything extra when they pay for their items.
“However, just 25p would help us greatly when added together with money raised across the region.
“We see incredible generosity from our customers every day, and we know many will want to support something that has such a direct impact on local children and families.”
Sibling days give children and young people an opportunity to have fun, spend time with others in similar situations and enjoy a break from the challenges they may face at home.
Activities range from themed hospice days and creative workshops to day trips and outdoor adventures, helping children make happy memories, build relationships and feel supported.
“These days are all about having fun and giving children the chance to simply be children,” added Genine.
“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.”
