Greeting card folk put in the fundraising effort to help others
Hikes, night-time walks, mountain climbing and art are the latest ways greeting card retailers, publishers and their family and friends are helping charities.
The biggest effort is in memory of textile artist and card publisher Abigail Mill, who sadly died in July after being diagnosed with a brain tumour earlier in the year, as the Big Pants To Cancer charity walk is taking place this weekend.
Family and friends are making the four-day 50-mile trek from Hunstanton to Cromer, in Abbi’s home county of Norfolk, and their efforts have already raised £12,861 plus £2,754 in Gift Aid for the Big C cancer charity which provides support, research, equipment and education.
“Abbi was a keen supporter of many charities,” said walk organiser and pal Valerie Barrell. “Time to put the big girl pants on to get through this was a phrase she used on many days during her short illness and she and the family were supported by the Big C during this time.”
Donations in memory of Abbi, known for her licensed work with publishers including Emma Ball Ltd and Nigel Quiney Publications as well as her own greeting card designs, can be made here.
At The Eco-friendly Card Company, co-owner Sue Morrish has recommitted the publisher’s support for Asperations Group by covering the £3,900 cost of funding an art therapist for the Devon autism children’s charity for the second year.
The art and photographic card company got involved to mark its 30th anniversary last year when Sue saw a TV appeal about how Asperations was faced with closure when cost-cutting meant it had lost all its grant funding.
Continuing the mission to cover the costs for Heather, the art therapist who is based in a quiet room working with small groups on arts and crafts, Sue said: “I believe that creativity can be helpful and healing and, with our background in publishing art too, we’re privileged to support Asperations for a second year.
“I need to say thank you to every single person, whether a retailer or a member of the public, who has bought our cards – because of your support we’re able to do things like this! It’s an amazing charity that makes a big difference.”
Nine hours walking from Pastow to Newquay in Cornwall saw Bird & Co Studio founder Emily Byrd get out into nature and raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.
“It was a win win!” Emily said. “We hiked a full marathon, 26.2miles, along the beautiful and challenging coastal path. It was an incredible day of inspirational stories, sunny skies and beautiful scenery.
“A combination of donating a percentage of profits from wholesale orders and fundraising helped us raise a fantastic contribution towards the amazing work Macmillan do. Thanks to everyone who supported us!
“We left with lots of blisters, big smiles and full hearts. If you’re looking for a way to give back and get outside, I couldn’t recommend doing a Mighty Hike for Macmillan more.”
Cancer Research UK is the charity benefiting from the efforts of Cards Direct team members as the retail chain’s staff took on Yr Wyddfa, the highest mountain in Wales, with the aim of raising £1,000.
Cards Direct has been supporting the charity for over a year and the hike last weekend is the latest in its fundraising activities, with the current event total at £878 – donations can be made here.
The deputy manager, sundries manager, and toys manager at Longacres Garden Centre in Bagshot are also fundraising for Cancer Research UK by taking part in the Shine Night Walk London 2024 event next Saturday, 21 September.
Jade Armstrong, Jack Shilley, and Laura Tyler have already topped their £1,500 target but any further donations would be welcome here as they get ready to complete the marathon around the capital’s landmarks.
