Pilgrims Pre-Loved Christmas Fair raises thousands for local hospice care
Hundreds flocked to Pilgrims Hospices Pre-Loved Christmas Fair at Westgate Hall in Canterbury on Saturday 23 November. It was a huge success for the second year running, raising more than £4,000 for hospice care across east Kent.
Visitors enjoyed a range of seasonal stalls, all run by Pilgrims staff and volunteers and stocked with items donated to Pilgrims shops. From games, toys and toiletries to a Christmas jumper sale and festive homeware, there was something for everyone. Homemade cakes, biscuits and sweet treats were also on offer.
We raised an incredible £4,222 for local hospice care. This exceeded our expectations and is 35% more money raised than at the same event last year. The footfall was amazing; we welcomed around 300 supporters on the day.Mandy Hawkett, Retail Area Manager
Sally Keeling said: “Thank you to all the staff and volunteers for an amazing pre-loved event. Our second year of coming and we loved it.”
Santa and Mrs. Claus made a special guest appearance too, greeting excited children in Santa’s grotto. 4-year-old Lilly Naughton said: “It was the best Santa adventure ever!”
The day was another fantastic success for the Pilgrims Retail team who work across the charity’s 32 shops in east Kent. Mandy Hawkett, Retail Area Manager, said:
“It was a brilliant day with lovely feedback from supporters and our team of volunteers. We were supported by either staff or volunteers from every Pilgrims shop. The whole event was a real Retail team effort; from the warehouse manager dressed as a minion, to volunteers baking cakes and knitting, the Retail admin team wrapping presents and our Retail and Business Development Manager Tim serving tea and coffee.
“We raised an incredible £4,222 for local hospice care. This exceeded our expectations and is 35% more money raised than at the same event last year. The footfall was amazing; we welcomed around 300 supporters on the day. Charlotte Brown (Retail Manager East) organised another brilliant event for the second year running and has already started planning next year’s Pre-Loved Christmas Fair.”
Click here to see more photos from the day.
Click here to find more about Pilgrims Hospices shops, including how you can donate items or give your time as a shop volunteer.
