‘Appy’ Days For Once Upon a Smile
| 23rd July 2015
This week staff from intu Trafford Centre visited a local charity partner Once Upon A Smile to see what £19,000 of donations have helped to fund.
Following the success of intu Trafford Centre’s Big Treat campaign where Big Treat app users could nominate a friend for a big treat with each nomination resulting in a 50p donation made by intu to Once Upon a Smile. With 2,000 nominations made, staff from the intu Trafford Centre visited the Trafford Park based charity to drop off a big cheque for £1,000 and to find out more about what’s been going on and how the charity has used the £19,000 raised to date.
The charity, which was set up by acting duo Danny Miller and Daniel Jillings, supports children and their families who have recently suffered the bereavement of a family member or special person.
The charity provides much needed fast and effective support to these young children, often much quicker than government-funded resources could. Its unique work allows children to creatively explore their memories and feelings for lost loved ones and provides a vital framework for sharing and building trust.
Along with regular group sessions. one-to-one work and outings, the charity works hard to put the interests of the children first and provide that much needed opportunity to talk, share and grieve in a safe environment away from the troubles of the playground or home and with others who are going through similar experiences.
As Kelly Willison, Development Manager for Once Upon A Smile says: “It was great to show the team at intu exactly how the contributions made by them can directly affect young children’s lives and make a difference. So far the generous donations have helped the charity to renovate its relaxation room where group sessions are held, provide vital creative materials for group sessions and take members out and about to have fun and build friendships.
“It’s so important to have great supporters like intu and the help and support they provide not just through funds but with experiences and awareness we really couldn’t do this without them.”
Charlotte Brown, Community Development Manager at intu Trafford Centre said: “It’s fantastic to meet with the charity and see what the funds raised are being used for. It really is a fantastic network of people making a real difference to the community and the children within it providing vital support to help them cope with the loss of a loved one. We’re delighted that initiatives like the Big Treat campaign can help Once Upon a Smile do more.”
Once Upon a Smile is looking for volunteers to support its fantastic work within the community, if you feel that you can support its work please head to:http://www.onceuponasmile.org.uk