Staff at Melton Mowbray store raise more than £1k for children's charity
Staff at a Melton Mowbray shop have raised more than £1,000 for a charity which grants life-changing wishes to children living with critical illnesses.
The team at The Original Factory Shop (TOFS), which is based in Nottingham Street, organised raffles, giveaways and bake sales in aid of Make-A-Wish UK.
The fundraising forms part of TOFS’ nationwide partnership with the charity, through which the retailer aims to raise £50,000 in just six months.
Melton Mowbray’s TOFS contribution marks a strong start to the campaign after the employees and their customers quickly rallied behind the cause.
Emma Collins, head of marketing at TOFS, said: “Our customers in Melton Mowbray are incredibly community-minded and we’re so proud to already have £1,106 raised through their continued raffles, giveaways and bake sale efforts.
"Every pound truly makes a difference.
"Supporting Make-A-Wish UK gives us the chance to help bring joy and hope to children and families going through unbelievably tough times.”
The Original Factory Shop has more than 140 stores trading in towns across the UK and has long championed grassroots community action.
The partnership with Make-A-Wish UK allows each local store to play a direct role in granting magical, confidence-boosting wishes to seriously ill children.
TOFS managing director, Tim Bettley, said: “Our stores sit at the heart of local life.
"Partnering with Make-A-Wish UK allows us to give back in a way that truly matters - by helping families create memories that last a lifetime.”
On the impressive fundraising efforts of the town store, Jason Suckley, CEO of Make-A-Wish UK, added: “Wishes have the power to cut through the gruelling reality of life for a child with a critical illness.
"It’s thanks to partners like The Original Factory Shop and communities like Melton Mowbray that more children will receive the life-changing power of a wish, sooner.”
The Melton Mowbray team will continue fundraising through in-store donation drives, local events and customer engagement throughout the coming months, inviting residents to join them in supporting the charity’s vital work.
There are 134,000 UK children living with a critical illness – go to www.make-a-wish.org.uk to pledge money to help the charity grant their wishes.