Generous shoppers have clubbed together and raised nearly £5,000 to fund all-important music therapy sessions at East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
A six-week retail donation campaign was rolled out across the charity’s 53 shops on 9th June, giving customers the option to donate an extra 25p.
The target is to raise £10,000 – enough to pay for a session of music therapy every week for a year – and at the halfway point, the total was £4,625.
“We’re so grateful to everyone who’s donated so far,” said Genine Woodcock, EACH’s Retail Central Support Manager.
“Our wonderful customers have dug deep to raise an impressive amount, equating to 18,500 individual 25p donations.
“Some of the individual shop figures make impressive reading, and we couldn’t be more thankful.
“However, now we’ve got the bit between our teeth and dearly want to keep the momentum going.
“Twenty-five pence might not sound much, but it’s amazing what a difference such a small amount makes, adding up to a great total.
“Our goal is to hit the £10,000-mark, which is enough to pay for a session of music therapy every week for 12 months.
“We really believe we can get there but need one last push to see us over the line.”
Music therapy helps children and family members express themselves in a non-judgemental space, where sounds and music-making are the primary form of communication. There are therapeutic aims, which can also include working towards a child’s developmental goals in a fun, musical way.
EACH has dedicated music therapists at each of its hospices – at Milton, near Cambridge, The Nook, near Norwich, and The Treehouse, in Ipswich.
They use music to reach out and support both children and adult family members, individually and within groups. To find out more, head here.
To check the location of your nearest EACH shop, click here.
