Shildon’s Red Lion pub has joined pubs across the country to go “Pub Gold” for the month of September in hopes of raising funds for the Solving Kids’ Cancer charity organisation, writes volunteer community reporter, Rhys Toomey.
Throughout the past few weeks, the pub has brought the community together with hosted events to help promote the fundraiser. The pub has had great success with gold-themed events, such as their Golden Envelopes prize donation, Golden Frame pound picture, and Find the Gold Duck game.
“We played a little game called Find the Gold Duck”, said Kay Walker, landlady of The Red Lion. “I placed so many tiny gold ducks around the pub. It was a pound a go and people had two minutes to find a gold duck. We raised £30 doing that and we raised £200 with the gold envelopes, which each contained a prize. Everyone that put a pound in got an envelope and then got something in return.”
The charity began in honour of the loving memory of Isla, a child who had tragically lost her battle with cancer. The Punch Pubs chain got involved with the cause when “a lady in one of the pubs lost her daughter to childhood cancer,” said Kay. “She’s been doing charity work for years so we all decided to jump on board and help out, and it has now become a massive UK-based charity to help children and families. It’s been a very big thing, and I am very passionate about it.”
Kay’s passion for the cause has paid off as the Red Lion pub has surpassed the £1,000 fundraising target with a total of £1,160.50 raised.
“I am absolutely buzzing that I have gone over the £1,000 target,” she said. “I just want to put out there that this can be done. Out of all the negative things that have been going on out there in the world, it’s a nice thing to promote something positive.”
The pub was able to make this achievement thanks to the support of their customers, local businesses, and organisations. “I want to say a massive, massive thank you to everyone who has helped us!” she said. “I can’t thank them enough, and I couldn’t have done it without their help.”
Kay mentions a few notable donations provided by local shops and organisations who aided the cause: Serenity Rose sent a gift set, Second Chance Charity Shop donated toys, and Shildon Alive gave food. Some donated £10 vouchers, such as Linsley Butchers and the Thai Nails and Beauty shop, as well as vouchers for Chelle Lou Duce’s Tarot Card Reading.
Kay especially wishes to credit her devoted customers who have gone beyond expectations in their dedication to the cause. “There have been customers who have spent their time wrapping raffle presents for us and coming in on the daily wrapping and helping us sell tickets,” she said. “There was one man who came in every day to put money in the charity box, every single day.”
Kay cites a few of her customers who have made notable donations, such as Freddy Scott donating £100, John Gillian £100, Chris Bass £50, Alan (locally known as Santa) £20, and Pat Lee. “Lots of other customers have donated ten and twenty pounds in the donation box, and lots have donated gifts, bottles, and anything they could give. Passersby have also dropped by to donate stuff or come in for the big raffle,” she said.
Now that the fundraiser has come to a close, everyone who had participated can be proud of what they have accomplished together, and Kay concludes by saying, “Thank you to everyone who got involved.”
Story written by a volunteer community journalist for SWDN. If you would like to contribute, including writing articles, attending events on our behalf and/or taking photos, email volunteer[@]swd[.]news to get started or register interest for next workshop here.
Rhys Toomey
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
