It wasn’t just the high-vis jackets that stood out on a construction site in Jarrow this week as workers got festive in support of St. Clare’s Hospice.
Site staff at Galliford Try Partnerships North’s, North Street development – on the site of the old Tunnel Club – donned a selection of Christmas Jumpers to raise funds and are now calling on the public to hold their own ‘Jolly Jumper Day’ on or around Friday 11th of December.
Gary Easton, Site Manager, said: “Christmas came a little early to our site as the lads couldn’t wait to pull on their cringe-worthy knitwear to raise some money and to encourage other businesses and individuals to get involved.
“There was some competition to find the most outrageous jumper and we had great fun taking part – so far raising £190. I’d urge anyone reading this to set up their own Jolly Jumper Day event and to help raise as much as they can for an excellent cause this Christmas.”
Sonia Graham, Senior Fundraiser for the Hospice said: “The idea for Jolly Jumper Day came about during last year’s Santa Suit event when a number of the businesses and groups taking part, opted to wear Christmas jumpers. They seemed to be popular, so we decided to hold a Jolly Jumper Day this year!
“Taking part is easy. All people need to do is dig out their favourite festive knit to help make a difference for local people and their families. We’re calling on businesses, schools, community groups and individuals to take part and support the event.”
“We suggest participants each make a donation with all funds raised going towards patient care here at St. Clare’s. Supporters could also offer a prize for the loudest or silliest jumper, hold a raffle, have a Christmas themed bake sale or even bring a food item for a festive lunch buffet!”
Fundraising packs are available now and can be requested by phone: 0191 451 6400, by email: fundraising@stclareshospice.co.uk. People can also register online at: www.stclareshospice.co.uk/events/jolly-jumper-day
For schools that would like to take part, St. Clare’s can supply colouring-in posters and a Community Fundraiser could visit your school to talk to pupils about the work of the hospice.
