18th September 2023
E J McGann Hardware and DIY, in Great Barr, has been encouraging customers to round up their purchases to the nearest pound and donate the difference to local children and families for 18 years.
Now those pennies have become over £25,000 for Acorns and its work caring for children with life limiting and life threatening conditions.
Shop owner Stuart McGann said: “To raise such an amount makes us feel fantastic We sometimes spend our lives moaning about all the little problems we have, but that pales into insignificance to some things parents go through.
“The fundraising goes back to when my mum and dad played golf, and supported the charity when they were both captains. My dad said if you’ve got a collection box, I will put it in the shop. It’s been here ever since.”
Stuart’s dad Ted and mum Ann have since retired but raising money for Acorns has become a family tradition. The shop also sells golf balls and collects scrap metal to help raise further charity funds, with the overall total now standing at an impressive £25,804.
Even the family’s dog Rambo, a 15-year-old Jack Russell and Pug cross, who is the shop’s mascot, helps spread the word on social media with his ‘toothy grin’.
Stuart added: “We have been in business for 40 years and fundraising for Acorns is something that has been passed down through the years. It’s nice to support a local charity and to give something back to such a worthwhile cause.”
Local shops and businesses are being urged to join the McGann store and get their own collection tins and help Acorns continue to be there for children and families who need the charity’s lifeline care.
Claire Snape, Area Fundraising Manager for Acorns Children’s Hospice said: “It really goes to show that pennies do turn into pounds – over £25,000 of them! This is such a wonderful example of the local community coming together and doing their bit to support Acorns. A huge thank you to Stuart, Ted, Ann and Rambo and their amazing customers.
“This support means so much to us and proves that every donation, large or small, really makes a difference to children and families who rely on our care and support. So, if you’ve got space for a collection tin, please get in touch – help us be stronger together.”
For more information or for interview, photograph or filming opportunities, contact the PR and Communications team at news@acorns.org.uk.
Notes to editors:
Due to the sensitive nature of Acorns care services it refrains from using the words ‘terminal’ or ‘terminally ill’ in its press releases and public communications when describing the children who use Acorns and the conditions that they have. Instead, Acorns uses the words ‘life limited’, ‘life limiting’, or ‘life threatening’. Acorns kindly requests that you respect this in your communications when referring to Acorns Children’s Hospice. Acorns children have a lot of living to do. Thank you.