Purple Elephant, Frome’s leading child and family support charity, is extending a huge thanks to local businesses and organisations who are using inspired, creative and fun ideas to raise money for its ongoing vital services.
On September 23rd the Frome Independent Childminders group and 29 of its children held a sponsored walk (indeed a ‘toddle’ for many) around the Old Show Ground, completing over a mile, raising £728 for Purple Elephant. Funds will, aptly, go to help its Early Years’ provision, including the Small Steps early-intervention and one-to-one support and help services.
In a delicious, tasty idea, Firefly Property, Frome’s independent estate agent and property management company, held a bake sale of cakes, cookies and other goodies on October 15th. Attended by the co-workers, owners and employees of companies based at Frome’s Bath Street Work Hub, Firefly raised a yummy £100 to continue bringing such services as its afterschool Tea & Toasties sessions to young people aged 12 plus.
With more events in November and December, support for the charity is taking a host of different shapes and sizes, notably with Frome’s most magical business, witchcraft emporium Carpe Noctem, running Halloween-inspired half-term ghostly-themed spooky activities with prizes, as well as glitter and flash tattoos plus hair-sparkles from their King Street store. Bringing together like-minded creatives whilst supporting small businesses, community and charity, this unique shop has given children a ghoulishly fun place for their unique talents to shine whilst raising money for Purple Elephant.
November also sees the return of a new monthly Bingo event at The Key Centre. Established and run by local Frome lady and Bingo fan, Elizabeth Ayers, the first session, created to express the Ayers’ family’s thanks for help and kindness they have received this past year, were supported by prize donations from local businesses, raising £380 at its inaugural session.
As Purple Elephant Family Support’s Service Manager, Sue Willis, explains “The generosity and creativity of community groups and local Frome businesses is wonderful, and vital. It really doesn’t matter what the size of the event is; each one is important, bringing much-needed funds. Every donation counts for us, especially now when, like many charities, we are starting to ask ourselves, if grant-funding carries on being so hard to access, then how can we be sure we will be able to continue providing services by this time next year? That is how important local businesses and the community truly are to us. Thank you, everyone who takes part.”
To learn more about Purple Elephant and its services or to enquire about how you or your workplace can support or sponsor, contact is via its website www.purpleelephant.org.uk