9 August 2018

Pilgrims benefit from national charity bag campaign

Staff at Mountain Warehouse stores in Canterbury and Thanet have chosen Pilgrims Hospices as their local charity to benefit from the new charity bag campaign.

The campaign launched in July by UK outdoor retailer Mountain Warehouse will see all 220 stores across the UK supporting a local charity close to the store’s heart. Customers will be able to purchase a charity bag whilst shopping in the store and will have the choice of 5 canvas tote bags costing £1.99 each.

100% of the profits from each bag sold will go to the local charities chosen to raise vital funds for charities across the UK.

Many of our staff have a connection with the care provided by Pilgrims Hospices.

Jane Hoatson, Mountain Warehouse Store Manager

Jane Hoatson, Manager at the Canterbury store said: “Many of our staff have a connection with the care provided by Pilgrims. We could not think of a worthier charity to support. Our customers are delighted that we chose Pilgrims Hospices to benefit from the sale of our charity bags.”

Aaron Gibson, Manager at the Westwood Cross store added: “It’s important to us to support our local Pilgrims Hospice; we know the local community love and support Pilgrims and we wanted to be part of that too.

We know the local community love and support PIlgrims and we wanted to be part of that too.

Aaron Gibson, Mountain Warehouse Store Manager

“The bags are selling well already and our stores hope to sell may more in support of Pilgrims care and services.

“This much-loved local hospice charity provides care and support to so many without our community at a time of great need.”

Leila Ilkhan, Pilgrims Community Fundraising Manager popped down to the store in Canterbury to purchase her charity bag and said: “I am delighted that the teams at Mountain Warehouse in Canterbury and Thanet have chosen to support their local hospice through this new campaign. This will bring fantastic awareness for Pilgrims as well as an opportunity to raise vital funds for our charity.”

Karen Kenward, Pilgrims Community Manager for Thanet said: “The bags are lovely, I’m sure everyone who purchases will be delighted.  Pilgrims would like to thank Aaron and his team for nominating our charity for their support.  The money the campaign will raise will be put to very good use on the hospice wards and within the homes of those we care for within the community.”

Pilgrims hospices rely on the generous support from its local community to ensure we can continue providing compassionate and specialist care to those living with incurable illnesses in east Kent when they need it the most.

If you would like to support the charity bag campaign and help raise vital funds for Pilgrims Hospices pop along to the Thanet or Canterbury store and purchase your charity bag today!


The hospices provide specialist palliative care for people with life-limiting illnesses in east Kent. It is independent of the NHS and receives only a small percentage of funding of its £11 million running costs, which means the remainder must be raised by donations and fundraising activities. 

If you or someone you know is coping with a life-limiting illness and you think you may benefit from Pilgrims support, talk to your GP or Healthcare Professional about the options or click here to read about our Wellbeing and Social Programme.