The ups and downs of a week with our team

Hi Sunshine News readers

We hope you are all keeping safe and well. There seems to be no doubt that summer has ended and we are officially in autumn. There's a definite chill in the air and shops have started Christmas displays already. Now, I know many people think it’s too early to mention Christmas….. but I am of the mind that we all need a little extra cheer this year and I’ve almost convinced Mr S to put our tree up in November!

This week Office and Events Manager Rebecca and I had the lovely job of purchasing over £20,000 of specialist equipment such as beds, walking frames and communication equipment for local babies, children and young adults. It is without a doubt, the best part of our jobs when we get to make the phone call to parents to tell them their child’s item is on its way. Quite often the equipment is something they have needed for a long time, can’t fund themselves due to the expensive nature of specialist equipment and is something that will literally change their lives. Imagine being able to take your child for their first paddle in the sea now that you have an all-terrain wheelchair. Or knowing that your child is safe and comfortable in a specialist car seat allowing you to visit new places together as a family or even just making the weekly shop a little bit easier. Sometimes when we make these calls to parents, they get emotional and we do too. We know the impact these items will have and we are proud that thanks to you, our supporters, we can make these wonderful moments happen.

It’s also been a bitter sweet week here at Sunshine HQ as we should have been putting on our glad rags and digging out our dancing shoes at our Noche Del Sol ball! The ball was an event hosted in partnership with our loyal supporters St James Square Law firm and was set to be the biggest event of the year for us. Sadly, due to the pandemic and the government guidelines on mass gatherings, the ball cannot take place this year however we look forward to bringing you all a taste of Mexicana in 2021!

Finally, Our Digital Fundraising Manger Lauren has gone Bake Off Crazy this week as the GBBO returned to our screens. Lauren is a keen baker and often brings delicious (Vegan) treats into the office to share. She has set the team a series of baking challenges and will be sharing our “Creations” with you on our social media channels over the coming weeks. Now, I’m not much of a cook. In fact my father once told me that I could burn water, so this should be interesting….

Siobhan

PS Don’t forget our first ever Lottery draw takes place on Saturday 26th September! Tickets cost just £1 with 50p from every ticket sold coming directly to The Sunshine Fund and helping us support local children who need our help. There are cash prizes to be won and a jackpot of £25,000!!! Visit our website for the full details of how to sign up.