Orchid customers dig deep for 'Home and Away Appeal'

8th September 2009, 9:04am

Pub customers all across the country have donated an estimated £10,000 worth of school equipment to the Orchid Group's 'Home and Away Appeal' supporting disadvantaged kids in the UK and Romania.

Debee Timbrell, marketing manager at The Orchid Group, said: "In all honesty, we were completely overwhelmed by the level of support from our customers. At a time when so many people are struggling themselves, we just didn't expect to receive the huge volume of donations that we did.

"We're extremely proud of everyone involved and we know that September is going to be a much happier time for so many children, both here at home and away in Romania, because of their generosity."

Sandra Waldram, director at UK charity, KidsOut, which received half of all the donations, was astonished by the response to the Home and Away Appeal: "Charities have had a tough time during the recession, suffering from fewer donations at just the time that they're experiencing a rise in demand for their services."

She added: "At KidsOut we're working harder than ever before – but we're always surprised about how generous and spirited the British public are. It seems that these hard times have brought out a sense of co-dependency and working together, with people appreciating what they've got and happy to help others no matter how small."

Since the appeal's launch in June, Orchid pubs have received donations of school supplies including stationery, arts and crafts materials and educational toys and games. Pupils at local schools and kids' groups have drawn colourful pictures to send with their donations to children in Romania.

After 20 years of the Ceausescu dictatorship, many children in Romania still live in poverty - without schooling, medical care or much hope of a decent future.  Save the Children is working to change that.

Going forward will be the Project Fair Play - timed to coincide with the 2010 World Cup in South Africa - which will see the Orchid Group rallying support from its customers to bring sport to disadvantaged children here in the UK and also in South Africa. Project Fair Play aims to build a new sports ground for a school in Cape Town as well as providing Fairtrade footballs to under privileged kids in the UK.

Related Articles:

• 24 May 2010 - Orchid changes its line up of spirits at its bars
• 10 Jul 2009 - Orchid takes part in 'Home & Away' campaign
• 30 Jun 2009 - Orchid Group hosts 3rd birthday party
• 17 Jun 2009 - Orchid rescues 10 Bar Room Bars from administration
• 11 Nov 2008 - Orchid says 'cheers' to high flying pub managers
• 04 Nov 2008 - Charity drop off point at Orchid pubs
• 30 Oct 2008 - The Orchid Group leaps into Sunday Times Top Track list
• 27 Aug 2008 - Orchid launches family loyalty card
• 25 Jul 2008 - Orchid Group first to launch Red Tractor ale
• 26 Jun 2008 - Orchid recognised by the British Hospitality Association
• 16 Jun 2008 - Orchid's fantasy league drives footfall
• 09 Jun 2008 - Orchid Awards guarantee blooming good results
• 09 Jun 2008 - Orchid carveries introduces Ringtons teas
• 15 May 2008 - The Orchid Group launches Woodland Wednesdays

Click here to submit a comment!

Have your say!

To comment on this article, simply enter your name and email and send us your views. Please note that your comment will appear publicly below this article once it has been processed. For enquiries please email info@eatoutmagazine.co.uk.