AN annual Easter raffle that had to be abandoned because of the coronavirus lockdown has instead brought some happiness to families in need.
Chocolate Fayre, in Barnard Castle, wanted its annual raffle of a giant Easter egg in aid of charity to be extra special this year and increased the prize bounty to include a massive 2.5kg chocolate bunny and three giant 1.5kg Easter eggs.
Thousands of pounds have been raised over the years for good causes such as the Great North Air Ambulance Service and Butterwick Hospice, and this year the plan was for the shop’s supporters to nominate charities. But the raffle had to be abandoned.
Kenny Walker, of Chocolate Fayre, said: “We had to rethink this year’s raffle rather on the hoof, as we couldn’t sell physical raffle tickets to customers, with the shop being closed. As such, we have donated the three eggs to The Hub’s Teesdale Care Pack project, with three households who could really do with a boost right now receiving these on Easter Monday.”
The Hub’s scheme sees volunteers getting groceries and necessities from local shops to put together care parcels which are then delivered to needy homes across the dale.
Some 70 families are currently being supported by the scheme each week.
Mr Walker said: “We’ve been trying our best to do what we can by Spreading Happiness with chocolate, giving away a box of chocolates every day since mid-March to those who have gone the extra mile in helping others.
“Rachel Tweddle and her team of volunteers at The Hub have already been doing an amazing job coordinating and distributing food and other items to those individuals and families who need a bit of help right now.
“This is a challenging operation and it doesn’t come free. As such, we asked our customers to contribute to the GoFundMe page which was setup to help buy what is needed. However, Chocolate Fayre plans to still do a charity drive this year.
Mr Walker added: “We have kept the massive chocolate rabbit, though, and intend to use it as a prize when we relaunch the raffle to benefit some other local causes, once we are allowed to re-open again.”
