On Saturday, 27th December, we attended Sainsburys in the Arnison Centre, Durham for a spot of festive bag packing. We arrived at 9:45am to get checked in, parking permits sorted and a hot cup of java to start the day off. We had our bike positioned directly outside the front door, in prime position for passing trade, and we were fortunate enough to have the blood car free for a few hours to join us, and park in a prime spot for visibility. Collecting buckets were sealed, leaflets, hi-vis fundrasising vests were utilised and lots of stickers for small people. Out to the tills went our legion of volunteers to pack bags for the day, and what a busy day. Sadly, volunteers do not escape from the seasonal variations to medical conditions which fill heads and chests with various unmentionables, so a few were not able to get to support this - our good wishes for a speedy recovery at this time of year in particular. Outside, the bike got a load of attention, lots of interest from enthusiastic children and their equally enthusiastic parents, and we had a visit from a photographer from the Northern Echo / Darlington and Stockton Times to record the event. They have been good enough to support publicity for our Nationwide Big Local vote for the month (not too late to vote - see your.nationwide.co.uk/your-society/Pages/thebiglocal.aspx to vote). With the iPad at the ready to catch the public to vote for us (a recipe for the loss of feeling in the fingers by the end of the day - people can type their own name on it to save my fingers from dropping off!) As the day moved on, Edd Gardiner and Gayle Gardiner from Madathlon very kindly joined us to help with some bag packing - thanks guys - good to see you and good wishes for 2015 with the new campaign. We reached the cold end of day, thanked the store for their hospitality and our volunteers for giving their time at Christmas and cleared up. Once donations were counted, we collected a massive £1,584.69! A huge thank you to the people of Durham (and visitors from other parts) for the massive generosity at this time of year. This means so much to us, provides fuel for around 5 weeks of transport, which means around 250 potentially life-saving journeys.
Posted on: Mon, 29 Dec 2014 10:32:09 +0000