To mark its twentieth anniversary Julia’s House children’s hospice held a Family Fun Day at its charity superstore in Creekmoor on Saturday 3rd June. The store was also celebrating its tenth anniversary since opening in spring 2013.
The Fun Day raised £5,000 for Julia’s House, which provides life-changing care for seriously ill children and their families across Dorset and Wiltshire.
Visitors to the event enjoyed sustainable shopping while being entertained by local musicians – including Reminiscence-UK, The Sensational Sweets and Gemma Cordona, whose son Patrick is cared for by Julia’s House. Patrick and his sister Daisy were both present to watch their mum’s highly emotional performance of her song entitled He’s My Son.
The new Julia’s House Choir, consisting of Julia’s House staff and volunteers, made its debut appearance singing a rendition of Happy Birthday to the charity, and the programme of entertainment was compered throughout by Hospital Radio Bedside.
The Creekmoor shop’s Assistant Manager, Clairelouise Moore, who started the Julia’s House Choir just eight weeks ago said;
“We are really pleased that so many people joined us to mark our twentieth anniversary and to enjoy some pre-loved shopping. The Julia’s House choir has only been together for a short while and we had such fun giving our debut performance. Watch this space for more from the choir this birthday year!”
Refreshments in the glorious sunshine included a Julia’s House wood-fired chicken and chorizo pizza designed especially for the occasion by Robs Filling Station, with some of the proceeds going to the charity. Children were entertained with face painting by Twinkles, a reptile petting zoo and appearances from Minnie and Mickey Mouse and Paddington characters.
A raffle drawn at 4pm on the day gave visitors the chance of winning AFC Bournemouth memorabilia – including two framed shirts signed by the players, coupled with certificates of authenticity.
For more information on how to shop sustainably with Julia’s House visit
www.juliashouse.org/shops