Community Activities
 William H Painter, a funeral director based in the Birmingham and Solihull area, usually run a selection box collection for various children’s homes and hospices over the festive period, but this year, they have expanded the campaign to include toys, games and activities. The campaign has attracted the attention of Lorely Burt MP, who recently visited the offices in Dovehouse Parade, Solihull, to add a selection of books to the collection. Pictured: Lorely Burt MP & Gemma Freeman (William H. Painter Community Liaison).
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An appeal calling on local residents and businesses to donate toys, books and chocolate selection boxes to nine local children’ charities in the run up to Christmas has been launched by Solihull funeral director William H Painter.
The William H Painter’s team, based at Dovehouse Parade on Warwick Road, are asking people to pop into its branch and donate new toys, books, games, art and craft materials, as well as chocolate selection, boxes between now and Saturday 20 December. Gemma Freeman, Community Business Co-ordinator at William H Painter, explains the idea behind the campaign: “The team at William H Painters have been collecting Christmas selection boxes for local charities and children’s homes within the Solihull area for several years. When we approached the organisations this year, they said that demand for their help is higher than ever and while the selection boxes are welcome, what they really need are more toys, games, activities and money-can’t-buy experiences for the children they support.” “Unfortunately, we can’t achieve this all by ourselves. We are hoping that the kindness and support of Solihull residents and companies will help us to ensure that many more children in the area can help have a better and brighter Christmas,” continued Gemma. Once donated, the gifts will be sorted and wrapped by the William H Painter team before being distributed between the nine organisations in time for the children to open them on Christmas Day. The appeal has already received the backing of the Liberal Democrat MP for Solihull Lorely Burt who recently visited the Dovehouse Parade branch to meet some of the team behind the campaign. “It’s fantastic to see a local business like William H Painter lead an appeal that will bring so much joy to the community at a time which can be difficult for so many. “I have been delighted to hear about the interest that William H Painter has already received before the appeal officially goes live. I would urge both the general public and Solihull businesses to get involved and help spread some hearty Christmas cheer to those that need it most As well as calling on local residents to donate toys and gifts, the team at William H Painter have also been proactively approaching businesses to request donations. “We’ve been overwhelmed by the indications of support we have received from businesses so far, both in Solihull and other areas of Birmingham. Already, we’ve been promised football tickets by Birmingham City FC, family passes to Cadbury World, golf lessons by Hatchford Brook Golf Course, and tobogganing sessions by Tamworth Snowdome. Over the next few weeks, my team will be visiting and calling other companies in the area to ask for their support and I hope the generosity we have experienced so far will continue as we get closer to the big day.” It is not about spending lots and lots of money on a gift because no matter the value of the donation, I can guarantee that any gift brought to our branch will really make a huge difference to the children and their families this Christmas.” Gemma concluded. Local residents wishing to make a donation should visit the William H Painter branch on Dovehouse Parade, 343 Warwick Road, Solihull, B91 1BQ. For further information, please call 0121 707 9900. |
