Fundraising efforts by GOULDS garden centre in Weymouth and their stores in Dorchester, have raised over £1000 for Home-Start West Dorset.
The local, independent charity will use the funds to support struggling families with young children in the West Dorset, Weymouth and Portland areas.
Chris Gould, GOULDS Director explains, “Each year we nominate a charity to benefit from the fundraising raffles held at our Late Night Christmas Shopping evenings. Home-Start West Dorset does incredible work to support local families in their toughest times and we are pleased to have raised £1007 for this deserving charity. We thank all our generous customers for taking part.”
The Store donated ten prizes for the two raffles held in their Weymouth Garden Centre and their Household and Fashion Stores in South Street, Dorchester, on 2nd November and 1st December this year. Prizes included gift vouchers, hampers, beauty products, planted containers and even a fresh Christmas Tree complete with lights. The lucky winners have been thrilled with their prizes.
The Dorchester 1st prize winner, Ronnie Tweddle, was delighted with her win of a £250 voucher to spend in GOULDS.
She said, “What a lovely surprise! I only entered to support such a worthy cause, but I am delighted to win a shopping spree at GOULDS. It is a store I have been shopping at for over 30 years!”
Whilst at GOULDS Garden Centre in Weymouth, the first prize winner of £200 Christmas Decoration Voucher, Lynn Walsh enjoyed selecting Christmas goods from a vast selection at the store.
She says, “My grandson and I have had great fun selecting Christmas Decorations from the super selection at GOULDS Garden Centre. They will bring such joy to our family this year.”
Helen Horsley, Manager Home-Start West Dorset says, “We are delighted by the support GOULDS have given Home-Start West Dorset. It has been an incredibly tough year for so many in our local community, and this welcome boost to our funds will go directly to support families who are struggling in Weymouth, Dorchester and West Dorset.”
The charity supports 70 to 100 families in the local area each year, and is expecting demand to increase with the cost of living crisis.
Helen continues, “Being a parent has never been easy. It can be lonely, frustrating, heart breaking and over-whelming. Life-changing events can happen to anyone. We have trained volunteers who stand by these families through their toughest times, with non-judgemental, practical, compassionate, and emotional support. Please do get in touch if you would like to help, either as a volunteer or with a donation. You can find our contact details at https://www.home-start.org.uk/home-start-west-dorset”
GOULDS Stores have a strong history of helping those in the local community.
Anthony Gould, GOULDS Director says, “as a family run business, we always do what we can to support the local community. We are pleased to raise awareness and support this charity, which gives timely help to children and their families, when they need it the most.”