Families hopped into the Easter spirit and helped raise more than £1,700 for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
The public were invited to a special community event at The Nook – EACH’s hospice in Framingham Earl – on Saturday.
Highlights included live music from a steel band, a children’s entertainer, facepainting, the chance to meet miniature pony Jack Brock, ice creams, hot food and a popular Easter trail.
Held under bright Spring skies, there was also a raffle, tombola and stalls, in addition to a guest appearance from EACH mascot ECHO!
“This event was all about bringing people together, having fun and raising funds and awareness for an important cause,” said Natasha Butler, EACH’s Senior Community Fundraiser for Norfolk.
“It was a brilliant day with a fantastic atmosphere, and we were lucky with the weather, even if it was a little windy.
“Thanks to everyone’s kindness and generosity, we raised vital funds that will make a genuine difference to the children and families we support.”
In addition to her team of volunteers, including friends and family, Natasha said she was grateful to the businesses and individuals who made the day possible, including those who donated items for stalls, the raffle and tombola.
This included visitors to The Nook’s fortnightly ‘coffee and cake’ afternoons, and many of these donations were also used the following day, when families supported by EACH were invited along for their own special Easter day.
In particular, she wanted to thank Ali Stearn and Jack Brock, Spangle Steelpan Band, Poringland Men’s/Women’s Shed, Material Girls, Sarah Raney Glass Jewellery, Treasured Bears, Hollywood Bowl, Banham Zoo, Go Awesome, The Woodyard Kitchen, JB Ices, Filigree Face Painting, HSBC staff (Norwich), Chequers Financial Planning, One Stop Poringland (and its customers), Tesco Harford Bridge, Tesco Beccles, Tesco Blue Boar Lane, Morrisons Catton, Howes Percival Norwich, Brandbank, Betfred Norwich, Kier, Cranswick Country Foods Fresh Poultry, Cranswick Country Foods Norfolk and Wayland, DS Smith Packaging Ely and Thornalley Funeral Services.
The trail proved particularly popular, with children having the chance to search for images of eggs – each with a letter on. They wrote the letters on a sheet and unjumbled an anagram to claim their prize of an Easter egg.
Young supporters have an opportunity to keep the fun going and raise funds during their school holidays, thanks to EACH’s Easter Fundraising Challenge.
Fun suggestions include a sponsored hop around the garden, a spring‑clean sale of books or toys or a bake sale featuring sweet treats.
“Alternatively, why not get creative and make up your own challenge,” added Natasha.
“We love hearing what youngsters come up with, and the more creative, the better. The most important thing is they have fun doing it.
“Anyone who raises £25 or more will receive an Easter Challenge Champion certificate. Just email us at community@each.org.uk with your name and address so we know where to send it.”
To find out more, click here.
