A HOSPICE for children will benefit from a year of fundraising from Sainsbury's in Brentwood after being chosen by its customers as its local charity.
Staff at Sainsbury's in William Hunter Way are now hoping to raise more than £7,000 for Little Havens Hospice throughout its year-long calendar of fundraising events, which starts with two fancy dress days on August 2 and 3.
In return for a donation to the hospice, which cares for children with life-limiting illnesses, the team will be swapping their usual Sainsbury's uniforms and coming to work in a variety of colourful costumes including Disney characters and super heroes.
Other fundraising ideas include a quiz night, additional in store collections, bag packing and four of the team are even planning on taking the plunge in a sponsored skydive.
Little Havens community fundraiser Peter Hall said: "We are delighted that Sainsbury's in Brentwood is supporting Little Havens as its Charity of the Year once again.
"The staff did an amazing job last time around which was matched by the overwhelming generosity of their customers.
"On behalf of all the children and their families that we care for, we would like to thank Darren and his team at the store for their support – and of course their customers who will also be helping to raise funds for Little Havens.
"We look forward to working with Sainsbury's in Brentwood over the coming year in support of their fundraising."
Little Havens Hospice relies on the support of the community to be able to provide respite breaks, symptom control and end-of-life care for children from across Essex living with a life-limiting illness and their families.
The Brentwood store, on William Hunter Way, has a history of successful fundraising for charities across Essex.
It has already raised £6,660 for Little Havens in 2011/12 and last year generated £4,381.96 for Saint Francis Hospice.
Sainsbury's manager Darren Scott said: "We are delighted to once again be able to raise funds for such a worthy local cause."
