Howdens Congleton have raised £350 for Ruby’s Fund with their charity ducks. Mark Weaver Howdens Congleton branch manager contacted Alison Parr of Ruby’s Fund and asked if they could support Ruby’s with their idea of putting rubber ducks around Congleton for the month of August. The idea included the ducks each having a tag on asking for the return of the duck to Howdens Congleton. The children then pick one of 3 charities boxes to post the tag into which equalled £5 donation to their chosen charity. The child then received a goody bag and the duck. Ruby’s were delighted at been approached and especially as it involved an outdoor activity, accessible to all and of no cost to the children and families.
Posters and leaflets were distributed and a Howdens Charity Ducks facebook group was created to let the local community know about the ducks. 140 ducks have been hidden around Congleton in various public places and in local businesses venues by the Howdens team over August along with a facebook post to say the area they were in. The facebook group now has over 200 members and lots of stories and photos of children with their ducks and where they found them.
Mark Weaver said “we never expect such a response to the charity ducks, but it has been really good. The children have really embraced it which is beyond our expectations. We hope to bring the ducks back again in the future, especially as this supports local charities like Ruby’s Fund, Mossley Toddlers Group and The Storehouse who benefitted this time. Thanks to local businesses who took a duck into their venue for the children to find”.
Alison Parr of Ruby’s said “this has been such a lovely project to be part of. The excitement for the children was delightful. I’ve had dozens of messages and photos sent to me telling me they’d found a duck and where it had been hiding. Thanks to the team at Howdens for supporting Ruby’s in such a great way”.
Ruby Parr (16), inspiration for Ruby’s charity and now part of the 16-25 years SEND volunteering project is pictured receiving the cheque instore as part of her volunteering role at Ruby’s.
Photo: Ruby Parr inspiration of Ruby’s Fund (in wheelchair) Paul Hartley (Left) Mark Weaver (Branch Manager Centre) Ben Haig (right)