Businesses across Chesterfield have shared more festive joy in the run-up to Christmas.
From fabulous charity efforts to hosting a Santa’s grotto for our four-legged friends, here’s a taste of what our business community has been up to this December.
Find out more about some of the great festive initiatives carried out by our network of Chesterfield Champions here.
Banner Jones Solicitors donates to local foodbank
The staff at Chesterfield law firm Banner Jones have come together to collect their largest ever donation for the local foodbank, Gussie’s Kitchen – including toys, toiletries and tasty treats.
Set up in April 2016 and based in St Augustine’s Church in Chesterfield, Gussie’s aims to provide a friendly social space for communities to come together, meet new people and enjoy a tasty, low cost meal made using surplus food distributed by FareShare.
Due to demand within the community Gussie’s have expanded their services to now also act as a foodbank as well as offering seasonal clothing.
The supplies donated by Banner Jones will be handed out to members of the local community using the service this Christmas.
Ann-Marie Lowe, Banner Jones’ marketing manager, said: “Christmas is a wonderful time to get together and spend quality time with families and friends, but for many people it can be an extremely difficult time of year. Especially for those who are struggling financially.
“We are delighted to have collected so many items, and to have been able to support those who are less fortunate this festive season. We hope the gifts go some way to putting a smile on someone’s face this Christmas.”
Redbrik continues to support community with charitable donations
The Redbrik Foundation has recently donated over £3500 to organisations across Sheffield and Chesterfield.
Established in 2020, the Foundation supports several charitable organisations each year, primarily seeking to enhance the lives of children and young people, the elderly or vulnerable and those with disabilities.
The latest funds were presented to three organisations; Ashgate Hospice received a donation of £1368, £1000 was donated to The Sheffield Children’s Hospital snowflake appeal and the Foundation granted £1500 to Whirlow Hall Farm.
Funds raised by Redbrik colleagues at the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k in October were donated exclusively to Ashgate Hospice in memory of colleague Kirstie Snape, as per the wishes of Kirstie’s family. In March 2021, Kirstie was sadly diagnosed with cancer, and after a brave fight with many highs and lows, she passed away in September this year.
The Sheffield Children’s Hospital snowflake appeal will contribute to building a helipad at the hospital to save vital minutes when every second counts for patients. Whirlow Hall Farm’s grant will provide alternative education programmes for vulnerable children and young people who cannot attend mainstream education due to a variety of medical needs, mental health issues and learning disabilities.
David Cooper, Redbrik Director and Trustee of the Redbrik Foundation, said: “We are delighted to provide support to all three incredible local charities, and we know first-hand the difference these donations will make in helping the organisations continue their work for the local community.
I am proud of each and every one of our Redbrik team who took part in the 10k to raise money for Ashgate Hospice in Kirstie’s memory, and I commend their dedication to fundraising during such a difficult time.”
The Redbrik Foundation has more to offer and would love to help fund more local charities. If your charity is interested in support from The Redbrik Foundation, contact David Cooper by email on david.cooper@redbrik.co.uk.
Vicar Lane Takes part in ‘Let’s Can Hunger’ campaign
To support Chesterfield Foodbank, Vicar Lane took part in a LET’S CAN HUNGER campaign to collect donations of essential supplies, for families and those most in need within the community this Christmas.
Having already run two very successful collections this year for the people of Ukraine, this was another opportunity for the local people of Chesterfield to give what they can, to support a charity that relies heavily on what they receive by the community.
Brandon Howard, Centre Administrator, Vicar Lane said, “We are always blown away by the generosity of our local community, so we anticipate this to be a successful collection to support the work that Chesterfield Foodbank do.”
Paperclip supports Christmas lunch for the disadvantaged
Paperclip is supporting a Christmas Day lunch for local people in need of a hot meal, some company, or assistance with mental health or substance abuse.
The businesses is helping out by providing and servicing the telephone hotline, and by volunteering on the day.
To find out more about the Christmas Day lunch event, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/christmas-lunch-for-the-disadvantaged-hosted-by-paperclip/
Rose Cottage Doggy Day Care hosts Santa’s Grotto for dogs
It would be unfair to leave our precious pooches out of the festive celebrations, wouldn’t it?!
Local Doggy Day Care business, Rose Cottage have ensured dog owners can get their pets into the spirit by hosting a Santa’s Grotto, between 12th-16th December.
Aptly named, SantaPAWS enabled owners to compete for the prize of ‘best dressed’ dog. Rossi the boxer dog (pictured) came out on top with his cute reindeer antlers and Christmas jumper!
Rossi and his owner took home a hamper box worth £50 in dog treats.. Someone is going to have a very merry Christmas indeed!
Banner Jones Solicitors, Redbrik, Rose Cottage, Vicar Lane and Paperclip support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.