Essex-based Chelmsford Star Co-operative has raised £77,912 for its 2017-18 charity partner, Little Havens Hospice, which is the only place in the county dedicated to looking after children with a life-shortening illness.
The society’s colleagues and customers collected the funds through marathon runs, fancy dress, book sales, sponsored walks and the in-store Little Haven’s weekly draw – which itself raised nearly £40,000.
Chelmsford Star, which celebrated its 150th birthday in 2017, owns food, travel, funeral directors and Quadrant department stores in the region.
“It is heart-warming to know that, even during challenging financial times, the people of Essex are proving to be more generous and eager to support local causes than ever before,” said Kevin Bennett, head of membership & marketing for Chelmsford Star.
Carmel Hudson, community fundraising manager for Little Havens Hospice, said the charity needs to raise £46,000 a week to be there for every youngster that needs them. “We can only do this because of the kindness of our supporters who fundraise for us like the staff and customers at Chelmsford Star,” she added.
“By supporting us over the past year every staff member and customer of the co-op is helping a baby, child or teenager living with a serious illness be as pain free and comfortable as possible. You’ve truly helped us fulfil our promise of ‘Making every day count’.”
The society’s charity of the year for 2018-19 is Alzheimer’s Society.
