DESPITE many challenges the generosity of customers and colleagues at Bents Garden & Home has never wavered with fundraising for the Centre’s charity of the year Once Upon a Smile, continuing throughout the Covid 19 crisis, raising more than £15,000.
Bents invited the team from Once Upon a Smile to visit the Centre for an eighteen-month update, announcing a fantastic total of £15k raised for the charity which provides emotional and practical support for bereaved families.
It also used the opportunity to announce a new virtual fundraising raffle that will run until Monday, November 30, with participants having the opportunity to win prizes such as a Festive High Tea at Bents, Cream Tea for Two and a Bents Gift Card.
In April this year, Bents made the decision to continue fundraising for Once Upon a Smile for a second consecutive year. This is a first for Bents and a decision that has proved popular especially during the Covid crisis, which has impacted on fundraising due to lockdown and the cancellation of regular charity events.
Recent fundraising for Once Upon a Smile helped the charity to refocus its support network to reach out to children in their own homes, during the period when Sidley House had to close during lockdown.
Sidley House, the charity’s specialist bereavement hub, has now re-opened and is once again welcoming children and families who are benefitting from the specialist services provided by Once Upon a Smile. Bents’ continued fundraising will help fund further improvements and activities to allow bereaved families to express in a fun and safe environment.
For further information about Bents’ virtual raffle visit bentsgardenhome on Facebook or simply text BENTS to 70085 to enter. Texts will cost one standard rate message and supporters will be given the option to make a £2 donation. Entries will close on 31st October with the raffle being drawn on Monday 2nd November.
Picture shows Matthew Bent with Angela Griffiths from the charity
