FatFace - Thanks For Giving 2016

THE INITIATIVE, 21 – 28 NOVEMBER 2016

HEXHAM A 100 miles cycle along the Hadrian’s Wall cycle route from Bowness-on-Solway, Cumbria to Tynemouth, Northumbria.

NORTH WEST & NORTH WALES A fantastic team effort from one of our regions – climbing Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales.

CLITHEROE 30 days of fundraising, including walking the Ribble Way – a 73 mile footpath over seven days, ending in knee-deep snow!

FAT FAC E U N I T E D K I N G DO M

FOLLOWING ON FROM THE HUGE SUCCESS OF OUR ‘THANKS FOR GIVING’ INITIATIVE OVER BLACK FRIDAY IN 2015, FATFACE DECIDED TO TEAM UP WITH THE FATFACE FOUNDATION AND DO IT AGAIN IN 2016. ONE YEAR ON, THE OBJECTIVE REMAINED THE SAME; NO DISCOUNTING, LOADS OF DONATING. The idea came about in 2015 from a desire to support local charities and turn discounting into something more positive before Christmas, waiting until December 26th in order to give our customers a genuine Boxing Day sale.

Under our ‘Thanks for Giving’ initiative, a percentage of profits were donated to charities local to our 225 stores, each chosen by our store Crew and head office staff.

Our second initiative took place between 21st and 28th November 2016 across all FatFace stores and at fatface.com and after a great response from customers, as well as significant support on Facebook and Twitter, we managed to raise just under £200,000! This amount was divided between all of the chosen charities and the FatFace Foundation.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank our Crew for their boundless enthusiasm for the initiative, all our customers who made a purchase during this time plus our suppliers and local businesses who got involved. Read on to find out how your donations have made a difference.

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FAT FAC E U N I T E D K I N G DO M

B R I D G N O RT H

Cameron’s Fund at Asthma UK The Bridgnorth store chose

running marathons in the

The aim of the evening

local charity Cameron’s

charity’s name. The Crew

was to help raise funds for

Fund at Asthma UK as part

invited Puff into store to

the Crew to participate

of the Thanks for Giving

help promote the charity

in the area group walk

2016 initiative. Cameron

on social media and had a

of Snowdon for the

was a local boy who sadly

day where Puff was at the

FatFace Foundation.

lost his life unexpectedly to

front of store collecting. He

Crew members worked

asthma at just 2 years-old.

helped raise £180.

voluntarily for 4 hours

His parents continue to

and sold hot chocolate,

fundraise in his memory to

During the Thanks for

cakes and chocolate

raise awareness of asthma.

Giving initiative the Crew

brownies to customers in

also organised a late

return for a donation.

Puff the Asthma Dragon is

night store opening in

a life-size mascot who helps

PJs while the Bridgnorth

In total the store raised

raise awareness of Cameron’s

High Street Christmas

£721.05 for Asthma UK.

Fund locally, including

lights were switched on.

cameron.brown.muchloved.com

asthma.org.uk

“It’s a good talking point with the customers and is helpful in integrating ourselves in the local community... a worthwhile thing to be doing.”

Christopher Davis, Store Manager, Bridgnorth

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T H A N KS FO R G I V I N G

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FAT FAC E U N I T E D K I N G DO M

HE X HA M

Oncology Day Unit – Hexham General Two Crew from the Hexham store cycled

I’m delighted that the store is supporting

Shona said “The Oncology Unit originally

We cycled on a Wednesday because that’s

100 miles along the Hadrian’s Wall cycle

the department because it means that

got in touch asking for a donation of a

the day people usually go for treatment at

route from Bowness-on-Solway, Cumbria to

tough treatment can be made just a bit

raffle prize, and we thought we could offer

the Unit. While we were struggling in the

Tynemouth, Northumbria to raise money

more bearable for as many families like

much more than that by choosing them as

cold, it was humbling to think of people

for the Oncology Unit at Hexham General

mine as possible.”

our store charity.

there and what they were going through,

Store Manager Shona McLean and Crew

It’s a really personal service to us because

which puts it into perspective.”

Hospital. In total it took over 13 hours in freezing conditions.

member Susan Thompson completed the

a few of the girls who work here have close

The Crew at Hexham raised £780.10 in

Anna, one of the store’s Saturday

coast to coast bike ride, helped by Crew

family members who have used the service.

store, combined with the money from the

Crew, said “I’ve seen first hand how the

member Jane Woods, who drove alongside

Oncology Department at Hexham make

them to spur them on and make sure they

We had lots of donations from customers

a big difference to patients undergoing

were kept hydrated.

who came in and heard about what we

FatFace Foundation, Hexham Oncology

chemotherapy by providing them with

were doing; some of them had experience

pick-me-ups at a time when it’s often hard

with the Unit themselves, or had close

to feel relaxed and comfortable.

family who had.

northumbria.nhs.uk/oncology-day-unit

“Sometimes charities can feel a bit faceless, but when it’s something local like this, that so many people are affected by, it feels so close to your heart.”

Shona McLean, Store Manager, Hexham

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Day Unit will receive £1,437.86.

T H A N KS FO R G I V I N G PEEBLES

Nomad Beat Nomad Beat opened in January

of Peebles and beyond. It is a

from the local newspaper, which

2010 with the aim of making

registered charity and exists purely

is a fantastic platform for Nomad

music tuition and participation

to promote music and musicianship

Beat to raise their profile within

affordable and accessible to all who

through affordable music

the community.

want to enjoy it. Sadly the founder

education. We rely hugely on the

of the charity Alison Cameron

support of the community in order

Jo Dean, Store Manager of FatFace

passed away in January 2010 and

to maintain and run the school for

in Peebles, said “It was a pleasure

the key focus of the charity has

the benefit of everyone.”

to support such a worthwhile cause and be involved in the local

been to continue to develop and build her legacy.

The store welcomed musicians

community. Our customers really

from the charity who set up and

bought into the concept of giving

Aly Skidmore, Manager for Nomad

played songs for the customers.

and not discounting and we all

Beat, said “Nomad Beat is a

They had a really successful week

really enjoyed the lovely music in

unique facility for the community

and received additional coverage

store during the campaign.”

nomadbeat.com

“We’re very proud to have been selected by FatFace in Peebles as their charity partner for Thanks for Giving – our students and volunteers had great fun performing in-store as part of the event. We would like to extend our thanks to the FatFace team in Peebles and everyone in the community who supported the campaign; every donation received by the school makes a big difference.”

Aly Skidmore, Manager, Nomad Beat

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FAT FAC E U N I T E D K I N G DO M

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T H A N KS FO R G I V I N G

C LIT HE ROE

Ribble Rivers Trust

Enthusiastic Crew members from the Clitheroe store chose to undertake 30 days of fundraising throughout November 2016 for their chosen charity the Ribble Rivers Trust.

The Ribble Rivers Trust delivers practical conservation work, education and water management advice, improving land use, rivers and wetlands across the Ribble catchment including the Hodder and Calder basins. The store chose the charity for a second year running because they all feel strongly about making a positive difference to their local environment.

During the 2015 Thanks for Giving initiative, the store raised £940 for the charity which allowed them to purchase litter pickers and hire skips to support the clean-up effort along the River Calder at Whalley following the devastating December 2015 floods.

As part of the 2016 Thanks for Giving initiative, the Crew raised £1,287.45 by organising fundraising activities in store.

The Crew also completed a sponsored walk following the entire 73-mile Ribble Way, a footpath that runs from the estuary at Longton, Lancashire right to the source at Gavel Gap in the Yorkshire Dales. Ellie Tolson, Assistant Store Manager, said “FatFace is a very outdoor-orientated company and our ethos is to strive to inspire our customers to seek out new experiences beyond the busy nine-to-five.”

Laura Melling, Store Manager, Clitheroe said “I walked the whole route of the Ribble Way from start to finish over seven days accompanied by a different Crew member each day.

It was frustrating at times when we lost our way and tough when we were knee deep in snow at the finish, but totally worth it! We all feel really lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the world and it’s clear to see that the hard work our chosen charity is doing is paying off. All the money raised goes towards the planting of a new woodland locally – team Clitheroe put on our wellies and rolled up our sleeves to help plant them this winter.”

Catherine Birtwistle, Office Manager at the River Ribble Trust said “Over 2,000 trees have been planted and the staff at FatFace joined us for a day to help plant them.” ribbletrust.org.uk

“We’re blown away by the generosity of FatFace. Contributions like these keep us in operation, as we are funded entirely by grants and donations from the public.”

Catherine Birtwistle, Office Manager, River Ribble Trust

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FAT FAC E U N I T E D K I N G DO M

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T H A N KS FO R G I V I N G

NO RTH WEST & NORT H WALES

‘Walk of Happiness’ “It’s such a nice feeling to know that we are able to give a little something back to our local communities.”

Lee Siddall, Store Manager, Lytham

A huge thank you goes out to an adventure-seeking group of FatFace Crew from the North West and North Wales area who embarked on a joint climb up Snowdon on Sunday 20th November 2016 as part of the Thanks for Giving initiative.

They felt that an area fundraising challenge not only encouraged people to donate to a number of worthy local causes, but also embodied the values of the company, living life outside the 9-5.

Their challenge was nicknamed the ‘2016 Walk of Happiness’, inspired by the Christmas sharing the happiness campaign.

Together with the Area Manager Angela Thwaites, the Crew set off on their walk of happiness to raise money for the FatFace Foundation and for each stores’ local charity. Lytham Store Manager, Lee Siddall spoke about his experience doing the walk and what it meant to everyone involved.

“We decided back at the FatFace Peak Conference that as an area we wanted to take on a challenge that would not only encourage people to donate to a worthy cause, but that would embody the values of the FatFace brand. The result was our ‘2016 Walk of Happiness’ up Snowdon.

I’ve made loads of new friends, shared stories and even baked a cake for my fellow adventurers, but most importantly I feel I’ve taken part in something that will make a difference. What an incredible experience this has been.

The most amazing thing about the Thanks for Giving initiative is that we are able to support smaller, independent charities who don’t get the exposure that some of the bigger charities receive.

It’s such a nice feeling to know that we are able to give a little something back to our local communities.”

The Crew jointly raised £828 in addition to their individual store’s fundraising activities.

walesairambulance.com

nwaa.net

cvsrt.org.uk

fyldecommunitylink.co.uk

francishouse.org.uk

rnli.org

anglesey.foodbank.org.uk

ribbletrust.org.uk

pwsa.co.uk

eastcheshirehospice.org.uk

stlukes-hospice.co.uk

severnhospice.org.uk

cameron.brown.muchloved.com

royalblind.org

workingtogetherludlow.btck.co.uk

barnabus-manchester.org.uk

wolfwood.co.uk

heswilmslow.co.uk

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FAT FAC E U N I T E D K I N G DO M

“Customers and Crew are what kept me going the whole time – you can’t really stop if people put money in the charity box, if anything I cycled a little harder as the money dropped in.”

Leigh Baines, Store Manager, Ashbourne

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T H A N KS FO R G I V I N G

ASH B O URNE

Ashbourne Scout Group

Leigh Baines, Store Manager of the Ashbourne store, led

An amazing total of 500km was clocked-up over the

Leigh said “I’ve cycled a fair bit in recent years. On paper

by example for the 2016 Thanks for Giving initiative,

course of three days – that’s 70km over the original

428km didn’t seem that hard. I guess I hadn’t really

single handedly ‘virtually’ cycling the length of the

target. A road bike was connected to a smart trainer and

factored in how much I must coast down hills because on

Midlands (via all the FatFace stores), on his bike in store.

computer that changed the bike’s resistance depending on

the cycle trainer you pedal all the time. By day two I was

the route (which was quite hilly in places).

wearing two pairs of cycling shorts and had given up on taking any mini breaks as I wasn’t sure I would get back on

The Crew chose the Ashbourne Scout Group as their

the bike afterwards.”

charity, as a number of the Crew have children who attend

Leigh’s virtual route had him cycling past the following

the local Scout group. The Scouts’ aim is to change lives by

FatFace stores: Ashbourne, Bakewell, Birmingham,

offering 6 to 25-year-olds fun and challenging activities,

Leamington Spa, Leicester, Lichfield, Lincoln, Market

With support from his team Leigh kept pedalling and

unique experiences, everyday adventures and the chance

Harborough, Newark-on-Trent, Nottingham, Rugby,

in total the store raised £769.53 for the Ashbourne

to help others so that they make a positive impact in

Solihull, Stratford-upon-Avon and Sutton Coldfield.

Scout Group.

communities. ashbournescouts.co.uk

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FAT FAC E U N I T E D K I N G DO M

G L ASG OW – BY R E S ROA D

Erskine

In 2015 as part of the Thanks

service. The support provided

that was scratched off at the

for Giving campaign the

ranges from residential and

end won a gift card to spend in

Glasgow Byres Road Crew

palliative care to physiotherapy

store. Crew also had a hamper

chose Erskine as their local

and speech and language

to raffle off, which had lots

charity because it was close to

therapy.

of Erskine and Christmassy

Store Manager Kirsten’s heart.

goodies to be won.

Kirsten put the charity forward

Three energetic Crew members

in memory of her grandfather,

started their fundraising

On Sunday 22nd January 2017

Flight Lieutenant J W Thomson,

activities earlier in the year,

the Crew joined forces with

who had spent his final year in

taking part in the Clyde

the charity to hold a knitathon

Erskine’s residential care home.

Muirshiel Regional Park’s first

to complete a blanket which

The team chose to support

ever ‘10k Bog Stomp’ in support

was then raffled off to raise

Erskine again in 2016.

of Erskine veterans.

additional funds for the charity.

Erskine was founded in 1916

In store they organised a Scratch

Erskine were delighted to

with the aim of caring for the

card game, where customers

receive a donation of £658.51.

service men and women who

gave a donation and chose a

had been injured in active

veteran to back, and the name

erskine.org.uk

“We had a successful week, made a lot of new friends and did something different to raise money for a great cause!”

Oscar Ronan, Keyholder, Glasgow Byres Road

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T H A N KS FO R G I V I N G

ABERDEEN

Cash for Kids Cash for Kids is Bauer Radio’s network

said “We felt we could help push their

night, where local artists came in to store

of local charities. They operate across 22

message further in Aberdeen and create

and played to the busy late night shoppers.

areas around the UK with a mission to

something really fun and special for the

respond to the needs of children in local

children of Aberdeen in our store.”

communities and they aspire to enable all

The store also held a number of family fun fundraising activities including face

children to live life to the full and achieve

The Crew held three separate fundraising

painting, a guess the bear’s birthday and

their individual potential.

events for Thanks for Giving 2016,

a raffle with gifts from local businesses

including a ‘Great FatFace Bake Sale’,

plus over £100 worth of prizes from

The Crew decided to make Cash for Kids

creating a giant, hand print Christmas tree

Marks and Spencer.

their charity of choice as they can see the

mural in store which represented the Cash

charity making a real change in the local

for Kids Christmas mission logo and ended

The store managed to raise an amazing

community. Store Manager, Myk Keracher

with an evening in store acoustic open mic

£933.93 for the charity within a week.

cashforkids.uk.com

“The money donated helped towards the Cash for Kids Christmas Mission which managed to give over 7,000 gifts to needy children for Christmas 2016.”

Myk Keracher, Store Manager, Aberdeen

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FAT FAC E U N I T E D K I N G DO M

N E WARK

Home-Start Newark Crew member Ben Eagles

Ben asked customers, friends

helped the Newark store raise

and family to sponsor him and

money for local charity Home-

guess the number of items of

Start Newark, by squeezing

clothes he could fit into.

into 66 items of clothing to raise money for the family

Store Manager, Nicola Bower

charity.

said they had tried to be inventive when thinking up

NO RT H BE RW I C K

The store enjoyed a visit from Father

which provide all terrain wheelchairs for

Christmas who took time from his busy

children and adults and a beach walker for

Christmas preparations to talk to all the

loan, free of charge, from their beach hut at

children in the store, with donations for

North Berwick Harbour, East Lothian.

the grotto going to the charity.

The store picked the charity because they

Robin Black, Chairman, Beach Wheelchairs

believe that everyone has the right to access

said “We can’t do our job without the input

beautiful beaches and enjoy the outdoors

of local business and FatFace coming on

fully, a value that FatFace firmly shares.

board and supporting us is fantastic. It’s

the challenge. Nicola said “We

that sometimes life in general

started with leggings, then

can prove to be challenging

jeggings, and skinny jeans and

and for those families with

worked our way up from there

young children it can be

really. He’s only skinny so we

particularly challenging. Their

could get a lot on him.”

aim is to provide support to

Beach Wheelchairs Beach Wheelchairs is a Scottish charity

Home-Start Newark recognises

parents as they learn to cope, to

“As a team we had a brainstorm

help improve their confidence

and came up with the idea – we

and to build better lives for

thought it would be something

their children.

a little bit different.”

homestartnewark.co.uk

“It’s a fun challenge, and that’s what FatFace is really all about.”

Nicola Bower, Store Manager, Newark

companies like this that help us to survive.” beachwheelchairs.org

“As a big company in a small town, it’s fantastic that Thanks for Giving allows us to help a local charity and feel part of the community. We raised a total of £615.20 which will make a big difference to Beach Wheelchairs.”

Sarah Patience, Store Manager, North Berwick

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T H A N KS FO R G I V I N G

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FAT FAC E U N I T E D K I N G DO M

E AST G R I N ST E A D

Project Powerchair The East Grinstead store raised money for

The store was decorated with Project

Sharon Maidment, Store Manager,

Project Powerchair (in association with

Powerchair posters along with Thanks

commented “It was a great day in East

East Grinstead Lions Club), which was

for Giving balloons and décor and Crew

Grinstead! Live on air with Meridian

set up to raise money for a local resident.

members tried to engage every customer

FM, a dancing lion and a bunch of Crew

Dominic, a ten year-old boy who has

in conversation about the campaign and

helping out on their day off! But the best bit

Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy with Cerebral

the charity.

was a visit from Dominic and his family.”

wheelchair to enable him to move around

On Black Friday three Crew members

The week went extremely well and

the town more freely and participate in

appeared live on Meridian FM, the local

the store raised £947 towards the new

activities. The wheelchair costs £7,000,

radio station, talking about Project

wheelchair.

and the Lions Club had already donated

Powerchair and the Thanks for Giving

£3,500, so the Crew at East Grinstead

campaign. In store there was a lucky dip

After the successful Thanks for Giving

wanted to raise as much as possible

for children to win prizes donated by the

campaign, the East Grinstead Lions

towards the outstanding balance.

Lions Club and Crew members dressed in

Club was able to donate the remaining

the lion costume and walked around the

funds needed to buy Dominic his new

town, raising awareness and giving away

wheelchair.

Visual Impairment, needed a new

balloons and stickers. dominicsfund.co.uk

“Project Powerchair – Mission Complete! East Grinstead store were delighted to play a part in helping The East Grinstead Lions Club raise £7,000 to help Dominic buy a special electric wheelchair. It will allow him to go out and about with his Scout Group, and he has promised to come in and give us a demonstration.”

Sharon Maidment, Store Manager, East Grinstead

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T H A N KS FO R G I V I N G

R E I G AT E

The Children’s Trust Crew from the Reigate store chose The

The Crew had fun having a different

There was also a ‘guess the sweets in the

Children’s Trust, a national charity, which

dress theme for each day of Thanks for

jar’ game for customers to try to win a

is based very near to Reigate in Tadworth.

Giving week: Blue Monday (pictured

£20 voucher.

It offers both residential and community-

below left), Ruby Tuesday, Woolly

based rehabilitation services for children

Wednesday, Twinkle Thursday (pictured

Olly Taylor, Store Manager said “The

and young people with a brain injury.

below right), Festive-knit Friday

Thanks for Giving Campaign was a

(pictured below centre), PJ Saturday and

fantastic event to run all week, creating

Nearly everyone on the Reigate team is

Smart Sunday. The Crew were happy

a great talking point with customers

either a parent or comes from a family

to extend the themed dress invite to a

who were very impressed with the idea

where there are a lot of young children,

lucky member of Head Office who came

and extremely happy to be supporting

so children are a very important part

to visit during the week.

The Children’s Trust. Some customers

of everyone’s lives. When they got the

gave donations in the charity pots for

opportunity to choose a charity, a child-

extra support.”

orientated one was the most obvious. thechildrenstrust.org.uk

“We jumped at the chance to pick The Children’s Trust because they do such incredible work helping children who really need it; something we can all agree is just amazing!”

Olly Taylor, Store Manager, Reigate

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T H A N KS FO R G I V I N G

Yo u r d on a t i on s m a d e a m a s s ive d i f f e re n ce a cro s s t h e U K , E i re a n d t h e U SA . H e re a re a l l t h e ch a r i t i e s we s u p p o r t e d – f i n d ou t w h i ch ch a r i ty we s u p p or t e d n ea r yo u .

Aberdeen – Cash for Kids

Beaumaris – The Anglesey Food Bank

Bristol Quakers Friars – BUST, Bristol

Colchester – The Tom Bowdidge Foundation

Edinburgh Fort Kinnaird – The Sick Kids Friends Foundation

Beccles – Waveney Stardust

Bromley – CASPA

Conwy – Royal Blind Society

Abergavenny – St David’s Hospice Care (St Anne’s)

Belfast – Cancer Fund for Children

Bude – Friends of Bude Sea Pool

Cork – Cork Animal Care Society

Edinburgh George Street – The Sick Kids Friends Foundation

Burnham Deepdale – RNLI

Abersoch – Wales Air Ambulance

Berkhamsted – The Hospice of St Francis

Cowbridge – 2 Wish Upon A Star

Aberdovey – Wales Air Ambulance

Abingdon – Mind Aldeburgh – Multiple Sclerosis Society Ambleside – SARDA (Search and Rescue Dogs in the Lake District) Ashbourne – Ashbourne Scout Group

Beverley – Cash for Kids Birmingham Grand Central – John Taylor Hospice Bishops Stortford – Edie’s Butterfly Appeal Blackheath – Deborah Ubee Trust

Ashford – Find a Voice

Bluewater – Chilterns MS Centre

Aviemore – Deafblind Scotland

Bournemouth – Dorset Wildlife Trust

Bakewell – Helen’s Trust

Bury St Edmunds – St Nicholas Hospice, Bury St Edmunds Cambridge – Tom’s Trust Canterbury – Catching Lives Cardiff – Noah’s Ark Charity Carlisle – Great North Air Ambulance Carmarthen – West Wales Action for Mental Health Chelmsford – Arlington Futures (One Support)

Bowness-on-Windermere – Bay Search And Rescue

Cheltenham – Maggies

Banbury – Dogs For Good

Brentwood – Saint Francis Hospice

Chester – North West Air Ambulance

Barnstaple – Dogs Helping Kids

Bridgend – Y Bont

Basingstoke – Hedgehog Bottom

Chichester – Sussex Snowdrop Trust

Bridgnorth – Cameron’s Fund

Banbridge – Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust

Bath – Bath Cats and Dogs Home Bath Southgate – Gathering Voices Battle – Charity for Kids Beaconsfield – The Hospice of St Francis

Bridport – Weldmar Hospicecare Trust Brighton – Brighton Surf Life Saving Club Bristol Park Street – Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal

Chiswick – RNLI Lifeboats Charity Cirencester – Shine Clitheroe – Ribble Rivers Trust Cobham – Pro Dogs Direct

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Cowes – UKSA Cribbs – Vale Friends of Cancer Research Dartmouth – Children’s Hospice South West Little Bridge House Dorchester – Mosaic Dorking – Tadworth Children’s Trust Dublin – A Little Lifetime Dublin Henry Street – A Little Lifetime Dundrum – A Little Lifetime Durham – County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust Ealing – West London Kidney Patients’ Association East Grinstead – Project Powerchair Edinburgh Airport – The Sick Kids Friends Foundation

Ely – Magpas – The Emergency Medical Charity Epping – Essex Air Ambulance Epsom – Epsom Riding for the Disabled Association Euston Station – The Royal London Society for Blind People Evesham – St Richard’s Hospice Exeter – SAS (Surfers Against Sewage) Falmouth – BF Adventure Farnham – The Hedgehogs Fort William – Lochaber Mount in Rescue Team Fowey – Cornwall Hospice Care, Mount Edgecumbe Hospice Frome – The Sound Foundation Community Care Gatwick North – St Catherine’s Hospice Gatwick South – St Catherine’s Hospice Glasgow Buchanan Street – Sense Scotland

FAT FAC E U N I T E D K I N G DO M

Glasgow Byres Road – Erskine

Knutsford – PWSA

Glasgow Fort – Garthamlock Community Group

Leamington Spa – Way Ahead

Gloucester Quays – Pied Piper Appeal Godalming – The Meath Epilepsy Trust

Leeds – St George’s Crypt Leicester – LOROS Leith – The Social Bite Fund Lewes – Sussex Pathways

Newquay – Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust

Sherborne – North Somerset People First

Trafford – Francis House Children’s Hospice

Newquay Fistral Beach – Help Izzy Walk

Shrewsbury – Severn Hospice

Truro – The Sunrise Appeal

Sidmouth – Sidmouth Lifeboats

Tunbridge Wells – Nourish

North Berwick – Beach Wheelchairs

Silverburn – Scottish Autism

Wantage – SeeSaw

Northallerton – SMA Support UK

Skipton – SELFA

Norwich – Sistema

Solihull – SoLO

Waterloo Station – Alone in London

Nottingham – Children’s Brain Tumour Research Centre

Southampton – Myositis UK

Great Malvern – Malvern Special Families

Lichfield – Teenage Cancer Trust

Guernsey – Help a Guernsey Child

Lincoln – Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance

Guildford – The Meath Epilepsy Trust

Livingston – Team Jak Foundation

Harrogate – Dementia Forward

Ludlow – Working Together

Haslemere – Grayswood School

Lyme Regis – Lyme Regis Lifeboat

Padstow – The Rotary Club of Padstow Charitable Trust Fund (defibrillator appeal)

Haywards Heath – Kangaroos

Lymington – Oakhaven Hospice

Peebles – Nomad Beat

Hebden Bridge – Calder Valley Search and Rescue Team

Lytham – Fylde Community Link

Perth – Perth Autism Support

St. Andrews – Families First, St Andrews

Peterborough – #teamgeorge

St. Davids – Shalom House

Henley – Nomad

Macclesfield – East Cheshire Hospice Maidstone – The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association

Petersfield – The Rowans Hospice

Hereford – Hereford Guide Dogs for the Blind

St. Ives (Cambridgeshire) – The Brain Tumour Charity

Wimbledon – Stem4

Hexham – Northumbria Healthcare Oncology Day Unit

Manchester – Barnabus, Manchester

St. Ives (Cornwall) – The Cinnamon Trust

Wimborne Minster – Julia’s House

Manchester T1 – Francis House Children’s Hospice

St. Mawes – St Mawes Recreation Ground

Winchester – Trinity Winchester

Hitchin – Headway Hertfordshire Holt – MS Society, North Norfolk

Oakham – Hope Against Cancer Oxford – Emmaus

Plymouth – Alzheimer’s Society, Plymouth Preston – Wolfwood Animal Rescue Reading – Launchpad

Southsea – The Lifehouse, a homeless support centre and soup kitchen Southwold – East Anglian Air Ambulance St. Albans – Home Start, St Albans City & District

Watford – Luna’s Little Stars Wells – Mendip YMCA Welwyn Garden City – Welwyn Hatfield Cats Protection Westfield Stratford – Magic Me Wexford – Aiséirí Rehabilitation Center Weybridge – Homestart Whiteley – Autism Hampshire Wilmslow – Humane Education Society/Animal Sanctuary

St. Pancras – Crisis at Christmas

Windsor – The Royal British Legion

Stamford – Anna’s Hope

Witney – See-Saw

Stansted Airport – The Laura Dale Brighter Future Fund

Woking – Woking Hospice

Horsham – Sussex Air Ambulance

Market Harborough – Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance

Ilkley – Manorlands Hospice

Marlborough – ARC

Rhosneigr – Rhosneigr District Branch RNLI

Inverness – Highland Hospice

Marlow – Steps 2 Recovery

Ringwood – Happy Dogs

Stirling – Artlink Central

Wokingham – Dingley Family and Specialist Early Years Centres

Ipswich – EACH. East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices

Meadowhall – Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice

Ripon – St Michael’s Hospice

Stow-on-the-Wold – Sam Pilcher Trust

Woodbridge – St Elizabeth Hospice

Jersey – Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust

Mevagissey – St Petroc’s Society

Stratford – Stratford Town Trust

Worcester – St Richard’s Hospice

Sudbury – The Smile of Arran Trust

Yarm – Age UK, Teesside

Kendal – Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity Kenmare – Kenmare Special Needs Group Keswick – Keswick Mountain Rescue

Milton Keynes – HULA Monmouth – Society for Welfare of Horses and Ponies (SWHP) Morpeth – Stay Strong Stu Mumbles – Mumbles RNLI

Kings Road – Thames21

Nantwich – St Luke’s Cheshire Hospice

Kingston – Love Kingston

Newark – Home-Start

Kinsale – A Little Lifetime

Newbury – Helen and Douglas House

Kirkby Lonsdale – Kirkby Lonsdale First Responders

Newcastle – Ouseburn Farm

Reigate – Tadworth Children’s Trust

Romsey – St Francis Welfare Rugby – DEBRA Saffron Walden – Alzheimer’s Society Salcombe – Kingsbridge Triangle Centre Salisbury – SSAFA – the Armed Forces charity Sevenoaks – House in the Basement Sheffield Ecclesall Road – Sheffield Children’s Hospital Sheffield Orchard Square – Sheffield Hospitals Charity – Heart and Lung Dept

22

York – Jessie’s Fund

Sutton Coldfield – Headway Brain Injury Charity Taunton Relocation – The Josh Evans Trust Fund Tavistock – CHICKS Tenterden – Rolvenden Cat Rescue Thame – Thames Valley Air Ambulance Service

U S A STO R E S

Garden City – Potter League Lynnfield – Best Buddies Newport – ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) Portland – Animal Refuge League

Totnes – Totnes Caring

T H A N KS FO R G I V I N G

B O UR N E M O UT H

Dorset Wildlife Trust Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) work to

enhanced by the work of DWT and, of

bandwagon of sales and discounts. The

On the Friday two people from DWT

protect and enhance Dorset’s wildlife and

course, fit perfectly with what FatFace are

response was great.”

attended, with a table and membership

natural places, of which the forest and

all about... life outside the 9-5.

stand, to engage with customers and talk

beaches are some of the best areas in the

The week started off brilliantly, with Dorset

about what the charity does. Kim said

country. Their work was featured on the

Prior to Thanks for Giving starting,

Wildlife magazine coming out, many

“This was a great way to raise awareness

BBC series Autumnwatch.

Bournemouth store publicised the event

customers mentioned that they had seen

and get customers through the door. There

in a number of ways. All DWT members

the advert in the magazine and offered

was a small collection, and a few customers

Over half of their income is generated

(around 25,000) receive a copy of Dorset

their support for both DWT and the

signed up for DWT membership.”

by fundraising, so events like Thanks for

Wildlife magazine and FatFace placed

FatFace Foundation.

Giving are essential to their on-going work.

an advert in both the Winter and Spring

Since the event, DWT have offered to take

editions. An email also went out to

The store was decorated with posters,

the Crew and anyone from Head Office out

Bournemouth store chose DWT as a

everyone on the DWT database plus an

balloons and a display of DWT

in Dorset to one of their 43 sites to show

former Crew member now works for the

audience of over 50,000 was reached on

information. It also had a couple of plastic

the work they are doing, the difference

charity and they have relayed how much

two social media platforms (Twitter and

ducks that accidentally attracted the local

they are making to local wildlife and get

good it does for Dorset, and how all of

Facebook).

wildlife. A stray duckling from a nearby

them involved in activities.

its members are directly involved in the

pond walked into the store to take a look

work that is done. Also, a lot of customers

Store Manager, Kim Storey, emailed local

around. Fortunately some customers

In total the Bournemouth store raised

are DWT members who enjoy dog walks,

radio stations, newspapers, websites and

helped capture and take him back to

£541.05 for Dorset Wildlife Trust.

New Forest rambles and taking their kids

magazines to spread the word further. Kim

the pond!

on little adventures – all activities that are

said “We wanted to avoid jumping on the

dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk

“At DWT we are so pleased to have been selected as a charity to receive a donation from FatFace. We think it’s a great idea to give something back to the local community. In Dorset, we are fortunate enough to be able to see lovely landscapes and wildlife habitat on a daily basis and DWT is always working hard to protect these wild sites for the benefit of wildlife and enjoyment of people. Donations like this help us massively and we’re very grateful.”

Sally Cooper, Corporate Development Officer, DWT

23

FAT FAC E U N I T E D K I N G DO M

H E A D O FFI CE

Naomi House & Jacksplace Naomi House & Jacksplace hospices

Naomi House & Jacksplace becomes their

House & Jacksplace during the Thanks for

If that wasn’t enough of a sugar rush,

provide expert hospice care to life-limited

home from home. The teams at Naomi

Giving initiative in 2016.

there was a mobile sweet trolley roving

and life-threatened children, young

House & Jacksplace also offer families vital

people and their extended families from

respite support, giving them the chance to

The teams all got on board with

mince pies went on sale with all proceeds

Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Berkshire,

recharge their batteries and regroup in a

fundraising activities and created a buzz

being donated.

West Sussex, Surrey and the Isle of Wight.

calm, fun and welcoming environment.

around the office with events including a Christmas quiz, as well as a good old-

Overall, there was a fantastic effort across

When a child or young person is

The FatFace Head Office teams were

fashioned British bake off with a number

the teams to raise as much money as

diagnosed with a life-limiting condition,

delighted to be able to support Naomi

of prizes being awarded.

possible for such a worthy charity.

around the corridors of Head Office and

naomihouse.org.uk

“With only 10% of income coming from Government and statutory sources, Naomi House & Jacksplace are reliant on the support of people like you.”

Debbie Weston, Buyer Manager, Head Office 24

T H A N KS FO R G I V I N G

CA NT E RB U RY

Catching Lives Catching Lives is an independent charity aimed at supporting the rough sleepers, homeless and vulnerably housed in Canterbury and East Kent; those who have, for many reasons, fallen through the gaps in society and feel they have nowhere else to turn. They provide basic services such as nutritious meals, showers and laundry facilities as well as future-building advice and advocacy services including literary classes, specialist advice and community activities.

Catching Lives have a real focus and vision of a society where all are included and that everyone, no matter how disadvantaged, can contribute. Their goal is to rebuild peoples lives and the Canterbury Crew felt that this ties in with the FatFace ethos that ‘Life is Out There’, and to make the most of every day we are here.

Alice Hill, one of the Canterbury Crew, inspired the choice as she volunteers at the Catching Lives Winter Night Shelter. Alice also arranged for Head Office to donate odd socks and boxers to the charity.

Canterbury Crew got other local retailers involved in the campaign by asking them to donate prizes to their in-store activities. Pret A Manger donated a £20 gift card to the Grand Raffle and Hardys Original Sweetshop donated a big jar of sweets for customers to guess how many sweets were in the jar. The Crew also did the Mannequin Challenge.

At a later date some of the Crew went to the Catching Lives’ daycentre to cook fresh meals and clean up, as well as handing out the socks and boxers that were donated by Head Office.

Graeme Solly, Project Leader at Catching Lives said “We were delighted to have been chosen as FatFace Canterbury’s charity of the year and on behalf of everyone at Catching Lives I would like to thank all of their staff for their continued support, including the recent fundraising activities over the Black Friday weekend. The staff also came into our centre in January to donate a cheque for £626.48 and spent the morning cooking lunch for our clients which was hugely appreciated by all. The money FatFace has raised will go directly into supporting some of the most vulnerable members of our local community, by helping us to continue offering the day services at

“As a small charity we always appreciate the support of our local community and fundraising like this really does make a huge difference.”

our centre in Canterbury, such as hot meals, showers,

Graeme Solly, Project Leader, Catching Lives

internet access, phone use, advice and advocacy from staff and volunteers and much more.” catchinglives.org

25

FAT FAC E U N I T E D K I N G DO M

BAT TL E

Charity for Kids Battle store chose Charity

children with long term

for Kids as its beneficiary, as

or life-limiting illnesses

many of the employees are

in Hastings and Rother.

mums who wanted to help

A committee of volunteers

local children.

works with the community to fundraise to support the

Beccy Jones said “Charity

applications from families

for Kids was our immediate

it receives on a monthly

thought for this year's

basis.

Thanks for Giving campaign. We are very

Charity for Kids Chairman

proud to work with team

Jay Wootten said “We are

orange and know our

grateful for the support

donation will go straight

of local businesses and

towards a local child who

individuals and this

needs help.”

donation will go straight towards an application for

Charity for Kids, in its fifth

a local child.”

year, continues to support charityforkids.co.uk.

“We are so grateful to FatFace and thank them for this donation.”

Jay Wootten, Chairman, Charity for Kids

T E NT E RD E N

Rolvenden Cat Rescue Crew at Tenterden decided

understanding cat welfare

to donate to the local cat

in Rolvenden and the

rescue, as a lot of their

surrounding towns and

customers responded well

villages. With hundreds of

last year to this charity.

stray and unwanted cats and kittens needing veterinary

Rolvenden Cat Rescue is

assistance, socialising

a small, independent and

and homing in this area

entirely voluntary charity,

every year, their work is

dedicated to the care,

continuous.

rehabilitation and homing of homeless, abandoned,

The store Crew held a late

abused and feral cats.

night shopping event on Black Friday with collection

They were set up to

buckets in store and a name

meet a growing need for

the reindeer competition for the kids.

cats.rolvenden.org.uk

“This is the second time FatFace Tenterden have chosen us for specific fundraising and we are exceedingly thankful. The money will feed many hungry little mouths and in turn, help us to continue our work.”

Ruth and Allan, Rolvenden Cat Rescue

26

T H A N KS FO R G I V I N G

NE W B U RY

Helen & Douglas House Helen & Douglas House offers

name of the bear, guess how

hospice care for children and

many sweets in the jar, a cake

young adults, enabling young

sale and pjs Saturday.

people (0-35 years) with lifeshortening conditions to live as

Janet Caruzzo from the charity

well and as fully to the end of

said “We are delighted FatFace

their lives.

Newbury chose us as their charity this year and decided to

There were lots of activities

raise money for us during Black

at Newbury for Thanks for

Friday weekend.”

Giving, including guess the helenanddouglas.org.uk

“It’s such a great initiative to raise money for charity rather than offer discounts. We are almost totally reliant on the generosity of great people like FatFace to help families living in the Newbury area who use the hospice or outreach nursing services in West Berkshire.”

GRE AT M ALVE RN

Malvern Special Families

Janet Caruzzo, Helen & Douglas House

Malvern Special Families provide play

people and communities.

schemes to children and young people with disabilities in ‘out of school’ hours

Malvern Special Families is a great

in Malvern and Worcester providing

local charity providing after-school

them with safe, stimulating and fun social

clubs, holiday clubs and play schemes

opportunities whist giving their families a

for children and young people with

short break from their caring duties.

disabilities.”

The store Crew wanted to raise money

Over the Thanks for Giving initiative the

for Malvern Special Families because of

store displayed artwork created by the

the amazing support they provide local

children and young people who attend

families and were keen to encourage

Malvern Special Families clubs. On the

customers to get behind the Thanks for

day of the Christmas lights Switch on, staff

Giving initiative.

and families from the charity were in store to help raise awareness and to add a little

Jade, Store Manager in Great Malvern,

extra to the festive buzz.

said “FatFace wants to make a change to the high street and turn Black Friday

Cassie Zoro, Community Fundraiser for

into something that gives back to the

Malvern Special Families, said “We are so

local area. We believe passionately that

pleased and grateful to have been selected

the retail industry can act as a force for

as the local charity to benefit from Great

good. Through this unique and innovative

Malvern FatFace’s Thanks for Giving

Thanks for Giving initiative we are

Campaign.”

committed to making a difference to local malvernspecialfamilies.org.uk

“It’s brilliant to see a large retail chain donating profits to local charities. Fundraising initiatives like this help small charities, like us, massively.”

Cassie Zoro, Community Fundraiser, Malvern Special Families 27

FAT FAC E U N I T E D K I N G DO M

M E VAG I S S E Y

St Petroc’s Society St Petroc’s Society was specifically set

another local business in the process.

“Although held in a safe, organised and secure environment, the harsh reality

up to meet the needs of single, homeless people in Cornwall. The charity’s aim is to

WasSup Cornwall, a paddle boarding

of sleeping rough really set in and how

provide accommodation, support, advice,

school and shop and the store’s lovely

incredibly hard life must be (and we only

training and resettlement services to single

neighbours, joined the campaign and

did it for one night!)”

homeless people in Cornwall.

became their local ‘T4G Partner’ in Mevagissey. It was a great way of increasing

As a result of Grace and Ali taking part in

The Crew from the Mevagissey store chose

the awareness of the charity and their

the Sleep Out, they raised an incredible

St Petroc’s Society because they felt it

mission within the local community.

£1,100 plus in the Mevagissey Store.

fortunate than themselves at a time of year

While the Crew were thinking of ways to

As a team, the Mevagissey store believe it

when most people are planning Christmas

fundraise for St Petroc’s they came across

is important to provide safe refuge on cold

with friends and family.

an organised fundraising event held at

winter nights, for vulnerable people.

was important to think about those less

the Eden Project called ‘Sleep Out’. Store The store’s focus was to raise as much

Manager Grace Johns and Crew member

“We hope the funds will enable St Petroc’s

money as possible and to help them

Ali Garnett were inspired to take part.

to give their care and support to people in Cornwall who need help to stay safe.”

along the way they enlisted the support of stpetrocs.org.uk

“Our Thanks for Giving activity and also our involvement with the charity has encouraged us to continue to support the cause.

We also plan to volunteer, when we can, at events in the future.”

Grace Johns, Store Manager and Ali Garnett, Crew member, Mevagissey

28

T H A N KS FO R G I V I N G

LO CA L B U SI NES SES

Thanks for Giving Working in Partnership To build on the success FatFace had in

A collection of businesses in the South

2015 with the Thanks for Giving initiative

West region were invited to partner with

we wanted to expand the concept and get

a local FatFace store and work together to

more of the local community involved

raise awareness for a local charity.

• Just Trio – Barnstaple

Six local businesses made generous

• Wull – Falmouth

with donating not discounting.

FatFace’s Chief Executive Officer, Anthony

donations to Thanks for Giving and

Thompson said in an invitation to local

received promotional materials and

partners “I believe firmly that supporting

information to help them spread the

local charities has a huge impact on our

word about the local charity they were

immediate community and as such I’m

partnering and the Thanks for Giving

committed to ensuring that FatFace takes

initiative.

• Bazaar – Barnstaple

• The Black Pearl – Falmouth • Willow & Stone – Falmouth • WasSup – Mevagissey If you’re interested in getting involved

an industry-leading approach to giving back to charity.”

The local businesses involved were:

We would like to extend a massive thank you to local businesses, Wull, Willow & Stone and The Black Pearl in Falmouth, WasSup in Mevagissey, and Bazaar and Just Trio in Barnstaple.

29

with the Thanks for Giving campaign please email jodie.hodgkins@fatface.com.

FAT FAC E U N I T E D K I N G DO M

CHI CHE ST E R

Sussex Snowdrop Trust The Sussex Snowdrop Trust is a unique

When a child is diagnosed with a life

loving, familiar and secure – HOME, the

charity which provides nursing care

threatening illness the impact on the

best place to be.”

at home for local children who have a

family as whole is life changing. Often

life-threatening illness or who may be

one or even both parents have to give up

Chichester Crew completed an in-store

terminally ill.

work to care for their child which causes

cycle challenge over the Thanks for Giving

financial hardship. Therefore, with regular

period. They cycled the distance from

The Chichester store chose to support this

gifts of money, the charity are able to offer

Chichester to FatFace’s spiritual home –

unique charity for a second year running

short term financial help towards paying

Val-d’Isère. A whopping 7oo miles!

as some of the Crew have experienced first-

for items such as an unexpected bill, extra

hand the help that the Trust offers, so it’s

food and nursing supplies, increased travel

Around £700 was raised in store from the

something that is close to their hearts.

costs incurred from driving to and from

bike ride challenge. Whilst Crew member,

hospital sometimes on a daily basis for a

Tom, raised an amazing £730 single-

Over the Thanks for Giving campaign

child to undergo treatment. The charity

handedly by busking outside the store.

the Crew managed to raise an incredible

also provides respite for parents and

£1,444.34 for the charity.

their children by contributing financially

At the end of the Thanks for Giving

towards regular outings to local attractions,

campaign, Chichester were selected as

Elizabeth Stuart, Office Manager at The

meals out and treats in order for the family

the winner of the Thanks for Giving 2016

Sussex Snowdrop Trust, said “The amount

to create happy memories.

Ultimate Challenge. The store were all

of money was exceptional and will be used

really proud and excited about winning,

towards enabling the Trust to support

Elizabeth said “Siblings who often get

planning to use the prize as an opportunity

children with life threatening or terminal

overlooked are also looked after and

to raise some more money by taking part

illness and their families on a day to day

treated to special little outings. On a

in something equally as challenging.

basis at home. Our dedicated team of

larger scale we have contributed towards

Crew member Katherine said “Our legs

children’s community nurses and Support

necessary furniture, fixtures and fittings

have just about recovered enough from

workers not only provide medical and

and equipment that a child and family

the bike challenge to start thinking

emotional support but through Snowdrop

might need to make life easier. Importantly,

about competing as a team in an obstacle

are able to offer support financially too.”

we go that extra mile in order to keep the

challenge or fun run.”

child at home, surrounded by all that is thesussexsnowdroptrust.com

“Whilst busking I met some families who were helped by the Sussex Snowdrop Trust. It was nice to hear that what we were doing really was helping.”

Tom Janes, Crew member, Chichester

30

T H A N KS FO R G I V I N G

“We are so grateful to FatFace Chichester for choosing us to be their charity. Events like this make such a difference to our Snowdrop families, whose lives are turned upside down and changed forever the minute their child is diagnosed with a life threatening or terminal illness – the donation will go towards making their lives a little more bearable. On behalf of the Snowdrop children and their families – THANK YOU.” Elizabeth Stuart, Office Manager, The Susses Snowdrop Trust

31

FAT FAC E U N I T E D K I N G DO M

BARN STAP L E

Dogs Helping Kids Dogs Helping Kids is a unique charity dedicated to using highly-trained dogs to help teach children nonviolence, empathy, respect, kindness, love, responsibility, friendship and trust. The charity is run from the North Devon home of Tracey Berridge, Founder and Chief Executive, along with a dedicated team of volunteers.

The Barnstaple Crew really got on board with additional fundraising for the charity, helping out with dog-themed face painting and other fun family competitions. To the delight of the Crew, the volunteers brought in a few of their four-legged friends to meet customers and to help raise awareness.

Jake Patrick, Assistant Manager at Barnstaple, said “Dogs Helping Kids were a fantastic charity for us to support and they really got behind the Thanks for Giving campaign, bringing lots of lovely dogs in to store for customers to meet and greet.”

As part of this year’s Thanks for Giving campaign the Barnstaple store partnered with two local businesses and worked together to raise awareness for the charity. dogshelpingkids.co.uk

S HE R B O R N E

North Somerset People First North Somerset People First

charity, knowing that donations

Karen Saunders, Fundraising

supports people with a learning

would go to this amazing and

Officer at North Somerset People

disability to speak up for

deserving charity.

First said “A massive thank you to the staff at the Sherborne store who

themselves, so they can achieve their life goals. They encourage

The Crew held a charity raffle,

nominated us as their charity, to

people aged 16 upwards to

running throughout Thanks for

the customers who helped through

contribute to, and participate in,

Giving week, the prize was a lovely

their purchases and all those who

decisions that affect their lives and

Christmas hamper provided by

took part in events. Together with

the community they live in.

NSPF. Then on the Saturday of the

the £164.80 raised in store from

campaign the charity visited the

a raffle and tombola, the total

The Sherborne store Crew were

store and ran a tombola. These

received is now £769.92.”

keen to get involved with this

in-store activities plus bucket

year’s Thanks for Giving campaign

collections raised an additional

and made NSPF their chosen

£164.80 for the charity.

nspf.co.uk

“A person with a learning disability will often not have their voice heard and have choices made for them, this has such an impact on how they are able to live their life. As a result of this donation we will be able to fund 22 hours of personalised support providing a Voice and a Choice to someone who may not otherwise be heard.”

Karen Saunders, Fundraising Officer, North Somerset People First 32

“It was fantastic to have the support of local stores Just Trio and Bazaar who both generously donated and helped to raise £800 during the campaign.”

Jake Patrick, Assistant Manager, Barnstaple

T H A N KS FO R G I V I N G

CA RD I FF

Noah’s Ark Noah’s Ark support the Noah’s Ark

children to be children and help them enjoy

Children’s Hospital for Wales in providing

their time in challenging times, so that

world-class care, helping to ensure the

hopefully they can enjoy their life outside

best outcome and experience possible for

the 9-5.”

children and their families. They work hand in hand with the NHS, providing

The Crew raised money through the

funding for the most up-to-date equipment

charity pots, asking for small donations

and facilities. Noah’s Ark also fund support

for either balloons or stickers and they

services for families like the play specialist

even got a few donations for giving away

team, who help children be children,

their Christmas reindeer headbands. Their

despite the difficulties they are facing.

aim was to speak to every customer about the Thanks for Giving campaign and raise

The Cardiff store Crew chose Noah’s Ark

awareness of Noah's Ark and the FatFace

because they believe all children in Wales

Foundation.

should be able to get the best possible care, in a hospital with the best facilities.

Paul said “Customers that purchased from us during the Thanks for Giving campaign

Paul Tuffney, Assistant Manager, said “Our

knew they were contributing to a great

vision statement at FatFace is ‘absolutely

cause.”

everything we do is designed to be loved by all our customers for life outside 9-5’.

The store raised a total of £574.03 for

We believe that this vision can also relate

Noah’s Ark.

to the work that Noah’s Ark do – they allow noahsarkcharity.org

HE R E FO R D

Hereford Guide Dogs for the Blind Guide Dogs for the Blind provides mobility

felt fitting to support local blind people

were particularly keen meet and greet the

brilliant to be able to work with local

and freedom to blind and partially sighted

who have guide dogs to help them through

dogs. The store also sold cakes and badges

companies, introduce them to local guide

people. It also campaigns for the rights of

their daily lives. The Crew met some lovely

to raise money and also had the fab Guide

dog owners and volunteers who are so

people with visual impairment and aims to

people, as well as dogs, through helping

Dog Collection Box at the till, which was a

enthusiastic about our work and this

educate the public about eye care and fund

this charity and heard some great stories

massive hit with the kids. More events are

way staff and the customers get to realise

eye disease research.

about how brilliant these animals are.

planned throughout the year, so that the

that they really are helping to change

Crew can reach a target to name their own

lives by ensuring everyone with sight

Guide Dog puppy.

loss who needs our help to give them the

Hereford store decided to pick Hereford

Hereford store were lucky enough to have

Guide Dogs as its charity as all the Crew

two beautiful dogs visit during Thanks for

are big dog lovers, and they felt it was

Giving week. Eton and Flossy (pictured

Sue Bushell, Community Engagement

it. The opportunity to name a puppy for

important to give these amazingly talented

above right) received lots of attention and

Officer at Guide Dogs for the Blind, said

raising £5,000 is a wonderful way for

animals some recognition. Hereford is also

showed the people of Hereford how clever

“Our fundraising and awareness events

people to get involved.”

home to the National Blind College, so it

and important they are. Small children

are vital to keep our services going, it is

independence to get out and about gets

guidedogs.org.uk

33

FAT FAC E U N I T E D K I N G DO M

WIN DSOR

The Royal British Legion Founded in 1921, The Royal British

country. Terese Virk, Assistant

wristbands, rulers, air fresheners,

Legion is the UK’s leading Armed

Manager at the Windsor store, said

pens and flags. These were placed

Forces charity and one of its

“A lot of the store’s customers are

at till points, with a donation pot

largest membership organisations.

from a military background and

for customers to make a donation

They provide financial, social and

they really supported the idea.”

and pick what they wanted.

members of the British Armed

The Crew at Windsor were

The Crew held a raffle in store,

Forces – past and present and their

delighted to have representatives

which generated a lot of interest

families.

from The Royal British Legion in

and they enjoyed talking to

emotional care and support to all

“The Thanks for Giving campaign has really helped to build the feeling of community within our store.”

Louise Calvert, Acting Store Manager, Windsor

store over the initiative to raise

customers about the charity and

Windsor store chose The Royal

awareness of the work they do and

the Thanks for Giving initiative.

British Legion largely due to its

the service they provide. A poppy

Whilst one Crew member collected

location. It is very close to Windsor

shop was set up at the front of the

donations from around other

Castle, where the daily Changing

store, selling Christmas cards and

stores on the high street, this alone

the Guard is a great tourist

shopping bags as well as diamanté

raised £47.15.

attraction. There are also three

poppies and badges. The poppy

military bases nearby. The store

shop raised £181.00.

wanted customers and local people

total of £505.64 for The Royal

to have a chance to give back to

The Royal British Legion also

the men and women serving their

provided merchandise such as

britishlegion.org.uk

C OWB R I D G E

2 Wish Upon a Star This year the Cowbridge store

available for parents at each of

sense of community in store for the

chose local charity 2 Wish Upon

those hospitals. To make available

whole week.

a Star to support during the 2016

immediate bereavement support for

Thanks for Giving initiative.

parents and siblings. To provide a

Over the weekend the Crew helped

professional counselling service for

to organise some fun, family

2 Wish Upon a Star is a small

bereaved parents and siblings and to

activities, including a name the

charity which does some truly

provide staff support and training.

elephant competition (the charity’s

fantastic work. They aim to raise

mascot is an elephant) and a guess

funds to improve bereavement

Store Manager, Melissa Cave said

how many sweets were in a jar

services in Wales, with emphasis on

“The charity volunteers were so

competition.

bereavement support for parents

upbeat and had a real passion

after losing a child suddenly and

for what they did and many were

Although none of the Crew are

traumatically.

FatFace customers from near by

parents yet, they all felt incredibly

villages!

moved by the valuable work the

Their aims include ensuring

charity does and they felt proud

every A&E department in South

We had volunteers in store for

to be working for a company that

Wales has a suitable bereavement

a few hours each day raising

allowed them to play a real part in

suite for bereaved relatives.

awareness of the charity and

their local community and make

That bereavement boxes are

bucket collections. It had a real

a difference.

2wishuponastar.org

“We felt like the whole town got involved with many customers being really supportive and inspired by FatFace breaking the mould and donating not discounting over the Black Friday period.”

Melissa Cave, Store Manager, Cowbridge

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The Windsor store raised a British Legion.

T H A N KS FO R G I V I N G

GET INVOLVED WITH THE FATFACE FOUNDATION AND HELP US MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY AND ACROSS THE UK

ONLINE

Donate online right now and we’ll make sure it benefits a partner charity local to one of our stores across the UK. Visit www.fatfacefoundation.org/support-us.php

IN-STORE

Our Crew believe in making it happen which means they’re always actively looking for exciting ways to raise money for local causes. Next time you’re in-store why not talk to a Crew member and find out how you can get involved.

READ MORE STORIES 35 fatfacefoundation.org

From cake bakers to risk takers, our 225 stores across the UK, Eire and the USA are finding ways to continue fundraising for their chosen charities.

FAT FAC E U N I T E D K I N G DO M

“Let’s take on dementia together. Volunteer. Donate. Campaign for change.

Whatever you do, unite with us against dementia.”

Dania Shaw, Community Fundraiser, Alzheimer’s Society

PLY M O UT H

Alzheimer’s Society, Plymouth There are over 81,000 people with

Everything Alzheimer’s Society do is

Crew have close links with the illness. They

everyone at FatFace Plymouth for choosing

dementia in the South West area and it is

informed and inspired by them.

decided to hold a number of fundraising

to support Alzheimer’s Society with the

activities during the Thanks for Giving

Thanks for Giving campaign. Not only

106,000 by 2021. Despite the South West

The charity provide expert information,

initiative; Crew wore pyjamas to work, a

have they collected a fantastic amount of

having the highest number of people

training, and support services to all those

raffle was held with some generous prizes

money, but through their events they have

living with dementia, it unfortunately also

who need help and it is creating a more

donated by a number of local businesses

also helped to raise awareness of dementia

has the lowest diagnosis rate.

dementia-friendly society so people with

and Plymouth store’s resident singer/

and get the people of Plymouth talking

the condition can live without fear and

songwriter Jamie serenaded shoppers

about the condition.”

prejudice.

throughout the day.

predicted that this figure will rise to over

As the UK’s leading dementia charity, Alzheimer’s Society’s aim is to be there for

Combined with the money from the

anyone affected by dementia – wherever

The Plymouth store felt strongly about

Dania Shaw, from Alzheimer’s Society,

FatFace Foundation, the store raised a

they are, whatever they’re going through.

supporting the charity as some of their

said “I’d like to say a big thank you to

fantastic £958 for the charity.

alzheimers.org.uk

“Without the kind support of individuals and businesses like FatFace we wouldn’t be able to fund research to find new treatments and, ultimately, a cure for dementia. We wouldn’t be able to provide expert information, training, and support services to all those who need our help.”

Dania Shaw, Community Fundraiser, Alzheimer’s Society

36

T H A N KS FO R G I V I N G

37

FAT FAC E U N I T E D K I N G DO M

WIM BORN E M IN STE R

Julia’s House Julia’s House is a children’s

pamphlets and they loved

hospice that supports life-

having the Thanks for Giving

limited children and their

balloons in store, which they

families. They provide support

displayed with some from

to the whole family from

Julia’s House.

diagnosis and for as long as the family need it. The Crew felt so

Julia’s House tote bags were

strongly about the charity that

also available to purchase

they nominated them as their

in store, as well as cash

local charity of choice for a

collections boxes at till point.

second year running.

The Wimborne Store Manager, Jamie Enion, used Facebook

All of the Wimborne Crew

and Twitter to tag both FatFace

helped to support the

and Julia’s House to spread the

fundraising activities by

word more widely of the Crew’s

sporting Thanks for Giving

involvement with the charity.

t-shirts, giving out tokens and juliashouse.org

“We loved talking to our customers about Thanks for Giving – the token vote really engaged them in the conversation about donating rather than discounting, giving them ownership of the choice of charity.”

Jamie Enion, Store Manager, Wimborne Minster

S U D B U RY

The Smile of Arran Trust For the second year running

for Giving initiative by Arran’s

the Sudbury Crew chose to

mum and his two sisters. They

support The Smile of Arran

bought in pictures of Arran

Trust, a brain tumour charity,

that were put around the store,

set up in memory of an

banners for the charity and the

extraordinary and inspiring

Trust’s own fund raising items

young man Arran Tosh, who

including Christmas cards,

lost his life to a brain tumour

pens, wristbands, key rings,

at age 13. The charity’s primary

and Christmas stockings. They

goal is to provide financial

were also on hand to give out

assistance to children and

leaflets informing people about

families that have been affected

the charity and the work they

by a brain tumour.

tirelessly strive to do.

Arran was an active fundraiser

Arran’s mum said “We are

for Cancer Research, inspired

grateful to our local FatFace

by immediate family and

store and customers for their

a friend being affected by

continued support – with

the disease, but it was only

their donations we are able to

through a visit to the optician

help other children who are

following headaches that it

suffering with brain tumours.”

was discovered Arran had an abnormality which was later

The Crew at FatFace Sudbury

diagnosed as a brain tumour.

and the FatFace Foundation

“We’re very happy to help raise awareness for this local charity which is very dear to many people and of which I’m honoured to be a part of.”

are honoured to help continue The Crew were delighted to be

Arran’s legacy.

joined in store over the Thanks

Saffron Peters, Assistant Store Manager, Sudbury

smileofarran.org

38

T H A N KS FO R G I V I N G

Suppliers who generously supported our initiative this year include: All Port

Flex Apparel

Orient Craft

Antalis / Arjo Wiggins

Fresh Egg

Parkinson Agency

Attire Clothing

GCL

Promoveritas

Aussco

GCW

Reaction

Box of Frogs

Kautilya

Samples

Brocade

Keenpac

Sartex

Camay

Klash PVT

SKJ Ltd

Clark Wilmott

LF Fashion

Stanstead

EC2i

Neo Concept

Synergy

FiveFoot8

One Post

XCM

This newspaper was printed on Cyclus Offset 115gsm 100% recycled paper. Using this rather than on a non-recycled paper, the environmental impact was reduced by 311kg of landfill, 75kg CO2 and greenhouse gases, 505kg of wood, 7,578 litres of water and 960kWh of energy.

The paper was kindly donated by Antalis UK in association Arjo Wiggins Creative Papers.

Sources: Carbon footprint data evaluated by Labelia Conseil. Virgin fibre paper data from latest European BREF data.

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