Hannah Dale, founder of Wrendale Designs, is to continue Lynn Tait’s legacy in raising funds for Action Medical Research (AMR) charity through the production of Christmas card packs featuring designs donated by those who have been involved with The Ladder Club and generously produced by suppliers free of charge. Continuing Lynn’s (who sadly died last June) dream, a full 100% of the proceeds will go to the charity. The cards will be sold to AMR supporters via its website as well as through the charity’s network of volunteers.
Having been involved in previous years’ packs, by donating artwork Hannah was approached by AMR’s community fundraising manager Lucy Hynes contacted Hannah to ask she would consider taking on the responsibility of co-ordinating the project for 2018. Lucy has been involved in the initiative since Lynn suggested it back in 2013, raising £50,000 for AMR through the sale of the packs over the last five years.
Hannah had no hesitation in agreeing to head up the project this year, for a number of reasons. “I felt honored to be asked,” Hannah told PG Buzz. “This initiative meant a huge amount to Lynn and it really embodies everything about her – enormously generous, selfless and with huge amounts of energy directed at helping others, even when she herself was going through such difficult times. I am so grateful for all of the support and friendship I received from Lynn over the years and this is just my way of saying thank you.”
Hannah also pays tribute to Action Medical Research: “AMR is a fantastic charity, that funds research into childhood illness. Our eldest daughter was born with a congenital heart condition resulting in open heart surgery and we are so grateful for the medical care she received which saved her life – I’m really happy that I can contribute in a small way to this charity that ultimately helps so many children like Amelia.”
The plan is to produce nine different packs each featuring a design from a different publisher/designer, all of whom have either ‘graduated’ from The Ladder Club or have supported it by speaking at the seminars. Submissions have come in thick and fast from both newbie publishers as well as more established brands.
“We have an embarrassment of riches!” said Lucy at a meeting with Hannah at Spring Fair to go through the submitted designs. “It is great that so many talented artists have been so willing to donate their artwork. Being able to draw on the sales data from previous years means that we will be able to offer a selection of designs that really chime with AMR supporters.”
Industry professionals from the supply side have not been backward in coming forward to pledge their support to the project, collectively offering to provide the board, envelopes, print and packing of the card packs. “One of the key premises of the project is that 100% of the sales will go to the charity so we are really grateful for their generosity,” added Hannah.
