There were celebrations at our new Devizes Wharf shop last week, as we thanked the local community for their fantastic support since we opened earlier this year.
Hundreds of people turned out for our free community fun day at the New Park Street store on Sunday 2 August, which featured lots of games, cakes and bubbles, and even a visit from Paddington Bear and Minnie Mouse.
The event raised more than £1,200, helping Julia's House to continue providing vital care for local children with life-shortening and complex conditions and their families.
Special guests included the Mayor of Devizes, Councillor Vanessa Tanner, and Julia's House charity teen ambassador and former service user, Oscar Moulding, who spent time meeting visitors and joining in the celebrations.
Harriet Jenkinson, manager of the Julia's House Devizes shops, said: "What an incredible day! It was wonderful to see so many families enjoying themselves, shopping, and celebrating with us. And it was lovely to have staff and volunteers from both our Devizes shops there and getting to know each other on the day.
“We'd also like to thank The Rowdey Cow, The Peppermill Hotel and Padfield Porkies for their generous donations, and to Oscar and the Mayor for joining us and helping make the day so special.”
“Since opening our second shop in Devizes, we've been overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of the local community, and this was our chance to say a huge thank you,” said Harriet.
“We're delighted that our long-standing Maryport Street shop continues to be so well supported too, and having two shops means we can raise even more vital funds for local children and families who need our help."
Julia's House is the children's hospice for Wiltshire and Dorset, providing specialist care to children with life-shortening and complex conditions and supporting their families, giving them all a chance to have the magical moments and memories every child and family deserves.