A dedicated fundraiser admitted being overjoyed and moved to tears after being asked to cut the ribbon at a new charity shop. Shanice Green officially opened the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) store in Milton Road, Cambridge, on Thursday morning (16th February).
She was asked to do the honours in recognition of her tireless fundraising efforts, having been a long-time EACH supporter since brother Leo died when he was just 20 days old in 2010. The 27-year-old, from March, recently presented a cheque for more than £2,500 – money raised during 2022 – during a visit to The Nook, near Norwich.
She said: “I was so pleased and excited to be asked to open the shop. I actually felt quite emotional. It’s such a privilege, because I have such a strong bond with EACH.
“Fundraising for EACH is such an important part of my life now and it was a real honour to have my efforts recognised in this way. It was a very happy occasion and lovely some of my family and friends were able to come along and support me.”
A Casino Royale night at Friday Bridge Tower Hall, in Wisbech, was one of the highlights of kind-hearted Shanice’s fundraising efforts in 2022. She also organised raffles and three successful tenpin bowling nights.
EACH is a cause close to her heart, having lost baby brother Leo when he was just 20 days old in 2010. He was born prematurely at 23 weeks at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn. It meant his organs were not developed enough to survive.
His family spent the next three weeks at EACH’s former Norfolk hospice at Quidenham. While there they received “amazing” support, in addition to help organising Leo’s funeral.
The Milton Road shop – located on a busy promenade and filling the vacant hair dressers Muir and Kerr – is the 46th in EACH’s portfolio. Simon Foster, Retail Area Manager for the North-West, said: “We’ve wanted a unit here for some time and it’s great we’ve secured this one – our ninth shop in Cambridgeshire.
“It’s lovely to finally open our doors to the public and our sincere thanks go to Shanice. For someone with her commitment and passion to cut the ribbon made it an extra special occasion.”
Anyone interested in volunteering in the shop will also be guaranteed a warm welcome. Either pop in or email VolunteerServices@each.org.uk
“In addition, we’re always on the lookout for donations,” added Simon.
“To make things easier, things can be brought to our rear door, adjacent to the RCP carpark, in St Germain Street. Just look out for our sign.”
