Farmers are again being asked to turn their fields purple in support of children’s charity WellChild.
Agricultural supplier Carrs Billington has announced a fifth year of support for WellChild, who work throughout the UK helping seriously ill children. So far, the company has donated more than £36,000 from the sale of its unique purple bale wrap and fundraising activities by staff.
Carrs Billington will be making another significant contribution to the charity this year, although the primary aim for 2020 is to promote the charity’s work during these difficult times where the third sector is being hit hard.
More than 100,000 children and young people are living with serious illness or exceptional health needs across the UK. Many spend months, even years, in hospital because there isn’t the support enabling them to leave.
WellChild helps children with serious health needs giving them the best chance to thrive at home.
WellChild Chief Executive Colin Dyer said: “We are delighted to once again have the support of Carrs Billington, especially at this challenging time.
“Families caring for seriously ill children need us more than ever and yet we are fighting for survival following income lost through cancelled fundraising events and activities.
“This campaign will not only help ensure we can carry on supporting the families that need us but will also inject some much-needed positivity and fun into what is a difficult period for all of us.”
For the 2020 campaign, Carrs Billington is asking farmers to use its eye-catching purple bale wrap and stickers and display the large WellChild sticker prominently. Once displays are created on farms, in fields beside roads and paths, Carrs is asking customers to share pictures on social media using the hashtag #purplebales and tag @WellChild on social media.
The display which generates the greatest organic social media reach will win its creators two places at the WellChild Awards at an exclusive dinner in London, plus accommodation.
The awards are the highlight of the charity’s year, celebrating the inspirational qualities of seriously ill children and young people across the UK, alongside those who go that extra mile to make a difference to their lives.
WellChild is supported by its patron, the Duke of Sussex. In previous years, celebrities such as Gaby Roslin, Dick and Dom, Ed Chamberlin, Rod Stewart, Stormzy, Jon Culshaw, Dynamo and Diversity have also attended.
WellChild has lots going on to encourage support and to lift spirits, from uploading golf putts online to taking on virtual challenges: https://www.wellchild.org.uk/coronavirus/fun-ways-to-support/
To purchase the purple wrap, visit www.carrsbillington.com for details.
Carlisle-headquartered Carrs Billington’s network of 32 Country Stores is temporarily closed for browsing and self-selection, but it is operating a telephone order service with collection or delivery.