Manchester, Alderley and Knutsford branches raised £5719 for the children’s charity via events and a special cocktail
THE Botanist restaurants in Manchester, Alderley and Knutsford have raised more than £5,700 to support vulnerable children in the region. Staff at the botany-themed chain carried out a number of fundraising events, as well as donating customer contributions and proceeds from a specially-blended cocktail called ‘The Believer.’
Countywide, The Botanist has now raised a staggering £43,500 in total for Barnardo’s, with a large number of staff additionally volunteering and taking on challenges such as skydiving and the National Three Peaks Challenge. With 1500 hours of team time pledged altogether, almost 30 employees have also signed up to Barnardo’s mentoring schemes.
Predominantly aimed at young care leavers, these support young adults who are often forced to become independent much younger than other children. Volunteer mentors facilitate their transition to adulthood, providing both emotional and practical support.
Other efforts by the restaurant’s ‘Believe with the Botanist’ campaign saw them host a Christmas party at The Oast House in Spinningfields - also part of the New World Trading Company - for South Manchester families supported by Barnardo’s-run children’s centres. Around 120 children and family members attended to see Santa, tuck into a festive buffet and enjoy live music and face painting.
Barnardo’s, which celebrated its 150th anniversary last year, uses 91p of every pound donated towards their services; which include support for care leavers, disabled children, vulnerable families and children who have been sexually exploited or abused.
Chris Hill, Chief Executive Officer for New World Trading Company said: “We are very proud of our first national charity campaign; the total funds raised are phenomenal in a fairly short space of time. But the beauty of this campaign is the involvement in projects with young Barnardo’s people, using the strengths of our incredible employees to make a difference, now that’s special.”
Jane Harries, Regional Fundraising Manager for Barnardo’s said: “We have been blown away by the enthusiasm and generosity portrayed by the teams at The Botanist. Not only have staff members gone above and beyond in work and by individually completing challenge events to raise money for Barnardo’s, but they have also put on amazing events for our young people, some of whom will never forget the special occasions they were treated to.
“I am also thankful to The Botanist staff now volunteering as mentors with some of the vulnerable children we work with - their time is quite literally invaluable and will truly make a huge difference to the lives of these young people.”
