Let there be light! Staff and volunteers shine bright at the big Christmas switch-on in Bury St Edmunds

Staff and volunteers from a children’s charity shop shone bright at a Christmas lights switch-on in Bury St Edmunds.

The East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) team enjoyed a night of festive fun, staying open late and running a stall in the town centre which raised nearly £300.

Among the highlights was launching the shop’s raffle – entitled Win the 12 Days of Christmas – which brought in £77.

Shop Manager Leanne McGeachin said: “It was a fabulous, successful night and great to spread the word of EACH, getting our name out there in the Bury community.

“The team were great and so enthusiastic. They were all for it and keen to get involved, coming up with lots of ideas.

“So many customers came along. Our shop was busy and it was lovely having the opportunity to chat to even more during the evening.

“We sold all kinds of gifts and cards, as well as beautiful handmade stocking fillers and gift bags which had been kindly donated.

“In total, we raised £274 and part of that came from our Win the 12 Days of Christmas raffle.

“Local businesses have generously donated prizes that we’ve linked to the song and those prizes are on display in our giant advent calendar in the shop window.”

To purchase raffle tickets contact 01284 706631

Pictured on the stall are, from left, shop volunteers Gill Portwood, Mary Banthorpe and Peter Bowyer.

Meanwhile, there are hundreds of pounds of prizes to be won in a raffle being organised by EACH’s Halesworth shop.

Businesses in the town have come up trumps by donating goodies, including a £30 voucher from Spar of Halesworth (owned by the Blakemore Foundation).

EACH Shop Manager Robert Holness said: “The response to my request for raffle prizes has been epic.

“We have hundreds of pounds’ worth of high-end goods and lots of vouchers for free lunches and afternoon teas, as well as things like haircuts as runners-up prizes.

“I’m extremely grateful.”

The draw will take place on 17^th December.

To buy raffle tickets, contact Robert via [email protected] or call 01986 874226.

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