Charities

ALLAN BRANCHES OUT WITH EMMAUS SHEFFIELD RECYCLING ART PROJECT

Emmaus Sheffield’s Social Enterprise programme aims to provide meaningful work and enable the people it supports – known as companions - to eventually become selfsupporting once more.

Companion Allan Scott has come up with the idea of turning scrap copper wire into miniature metallic Bonsai trees, which will be sold to provide extra funds as the Emmaus second-hand superstore has to remain closed during lockdown.

“We are given many electrical items we cannot sell because they have failed their PAT test and can’t be repaired,” said Allan. “I strip things down to their individual components and it was when I was taking the coil from inside an old washing machine I came across copper wire and wondered if there was anything we could do with that to make just a bit more money for Emmaus.”

He intends to make enough miniature trees to have ready for sale when the Emmaus store opens again following lockdown.

“The whole Emmaus ethos is taking something that has been unloved by society, giving it some special attention and giving it a new lease of life,” he said. ALLAN SCOTT TURNING SCRAP COPPER INTO BONSAI TREES

LAW FIRM WAIVES WILL WRITING FEES IN SUPPORT OF BLUEBELL WOOD

A community-spirited law firm is waiving its fees for its bespoke Will writing service to help raise much-needed funds for Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

BRM Solicitors have partnered with the charity to offer the service throughout February in return for a donation to the hospice.

BRM’s suggested donation of £75 for a single Will can pay for two counselling sessions for parents coming to terms with the devastation of losing a child. For a Mirror Will, often used by couples, BRM are suggesting a £150 donation. This amount would contribute to a short break for a family at Bluebell Wood to give them some muchneeded me time.

Rob Woodhead, head of Wills and probate at BRM Solicitors, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting Bluebell Wood RUDI LOVES VISITING BLUEBELL WOOD WITH MUM DANIELLA

this year with our Make a Will month after several successful years of supporting amazing local charities.

“As well as helping to raise money for local charities, our free will months are a great way to promote the importance of making a Will and ensuring money and possessions go exactly where you want them to.

Four-year-old Rudi, from Chesterfield, loves visiting Bluebell Wood for short breaks and wows staff and volunteers alike with his infectious smile and bubbly personality. Mum Daniella said: “Everyone’s welcoming, understanding and has empathy for our situation.

“Nothing’s ever too much trouble. It’s a safe and comfortable place for us to go and having that support to rely on really does mean the world to us.”

Rachael Dawes, individual giving manager at Bluebell Wood, said: “We need to raise over £5 million each year to keep our doors open, and our ability to fundraise has been significantly impacted by the pandemic.”

“So a gift left in someone’s Will, of any amount, will help us to continue to be there for children and families at a time when they need our support more than ever.”