Stafford Friends Group fundraising tops £100k

A dedicated fundraising group are celebrating after raising more than £100,000 for Dougie Mac’s Children’s Services.

The Stafford Friends Group started fundraising in 2009 for The Donna Louise Children’s Hospice. After The Donna Louise was merged into Dougie Mac in 2021, the dedicated friends continued to raise money for Dougie Mac’s Children’s Services.  Now the Group’s hard work and commitment over the last 15 years has seen them pass the huge £100,000 milestone.

The phenomenal fundraising has been achieved through regular tombolas, garage sales and fundraising stalls at community events, as well as their own fundraising events including silent auctions. Over the years the Group has also become well known for its sales of preserves, marmalade, jams, chutneys and pickles, which are all homemade by its members. Even during the pandemic, the motivated Group found ways to continue their support, holding socially distanced, outdoor sales in their gardens.

Barbara Riddle, Chair of the Stafford Friends, said, “When we first began fundraising in 2009 we never dreamed that we could raise this amount and we’re so grateful to everyone who has supported us over the years, by donating items for our tombolas or by harvesting donations of fresh fruit and vegetables to make our preserves, chutneys and pickles. It really has been a big team effort and we’re really proud that we have been able to make a difference for the children and young adults Dougie Mac supports.”

Donna Adams, Head of Community Fundraising at Dougie Mac, said, “We’re so grateful for the incredible, continued support of the Stafford Friends who have been fantastic advocates of our children’s services for more than fifteen years. In that time they’ve raised a phenomenal amount of money which has enabled us to continue our specialist services for local children and young adults, while providing vital support for their families. On behalf of everyone at Dougie Mac I’d like to say an enormous thank you for everything they’ve done.”