Kind-hearted bakery staff jumped to it and put on their festive finery in aid of a much-needed hospice.
The Christmas Jumper Day at the Village Bakery in Wrexham was organised by Kath Ashcroft, the company’s supply chain manager, to raise money for the town’s Nightingale House Hospice.
Nightingale House is celebrating its 25th anniversary next year when they will need to find more than £3 million – the equivalent of £8,382 a day – to run the hospice and their outreach services.
With only 20 per cent coming from statutory sources, they have to raise all the rest themselves, with help from individuals and companies like the Village Bakery.
Kath said: “Nightingale House is a brilliant hospice that provides a vital service for families at the most difficult time in their lives.
“It’s particularly poignant at this time of year and they support the families as well as the patients, providing comfort and solace.”
It was a sentiment endorsed by gluten free bakery specialist Jac Griffiths whose mother worked as a carer at the hospice.
Jac said: “The Christmas Jumper Day is a bit of fun but there’s a serious purpose as well because we’re raising money for Nightingale House.
“It’s a charity that’s close to everybody’s hearts in this area. My mum used to work as one of the carers there, so I’ve got a very good idea of how fantastic a place it is.
“They do a great job and they do a lot for the community, so we’re happy to do any fundraising we can do for them, and get everyone on board and try to help.”
Technologist Amy Wickham added: “It’s important to support Nightingale House at this time of year especially.
“Losing a loved one is hard at any time but at Christmas it’s incredibly tough.
“As a company, we work closely with Nightingale House. We like to support them because they’re a much-needed local charity.”
“Everyone has to pay £2 to wear a Christmas jumper or £3 they’re not wearing one so we make sure we get the money out of people anyway!”
The charity fund-raising was also good news for Theresa the Turkey, their new festive mascot
Kath Ashcroft explained: “This year Theresa the Turkey has brought even more Christmas cheer to our office.
“The commercial team went shopping for Christmas shopping the other day for a Christmas tree and some decorations and they came across Theresa, a festive hat in the shape of a Christmas turkey.
“Theresa is one turkey that will definitely survive Christmas – she’ll come out every December from now on.”
Village Bakery managing director Robin Jones said: “We’ve got a great team here at the Village Bakery including Kath who has a heart of gold.
“I take my hat off to them for raising money for such a fantastic charity – and having a bit of fun at the same time.
“It’s certainly brought some extra Christmas spirit to the Village Bakery.”
