April 2017

You may not know but each year we pick a charity to support for 12 months, raising as much money as possible to assist the fantastic work they do.

There are so many incredible charities out there, especially within Telford which has an amazing sense of community, so it’s always tough to come to a decision – but I’m delighted to confirm Homestart Telford and Wrekin is our choice for 2017.

I have to admit to knowing little about them before I met their fundraising manager Julia Allinson at a Shropshire Chamber of Commerce event held here at the hotel.

But as soon as I got talking to her, I realised what fantastic work the charity does and what a difference they make to the lives of families in Telford.

In fact they scooped the Businesses for Children Award Charity of the Year title earlier this month.

The aim of the charity is very simple but very important: to support those with children under five who may need a little extra help, whether they’re struggling with isolation, disability, domestic abuse or they’ve had twins or triplets or even just a hand to re-adjust to their new family life after having a baby.

They do this by training volunteers who then spend time with that family each week to help them find ways of coping and they also fundraise to take people out for rare days out and activities they probably wouldn’t otherwise be able to enjoy.

In addition, the team runs a number of courses which are all aimed at increasing parents’ confidence and helping them to raise happier and healthier little ones.

Simple things like having a listening ear for a couple of hours a week, having some support to get out of the house or complete day-to-day tasks or having the chance to enjoy going out together are something all too many of us take for granted but for some it’s their only lifeline.

And that’s why myself and the team at the Buckatree are determined to make this our best year yet for fund-raising. We’re already planning a busy calendar of events which will include a big gin-themed event we know will be really popular!

There are collection tins in place in our reception and guests will be able to buy Easter eggs to donate to a child supported by Homestart.

We’re also all ears if you have a fundraising idea to help the charity and would like to talk to us about hosting your event at the hotel.

Thank you in advance to anyone who helps us help Homestart this year and do check back on our blog as we’ll be updating you throughout the year on upcoming events and how much we’ve raised.