Auntie Receives its First Donation

We’re delighted to announce that Auntie has received its first major donation – which has been made by Happy Days nurseries in Cornwall.

Sarah Karkeek, Founding Director of Happy Days Nurseries, together with children and staff from Happy Days Newquay, invited Russell Ford from The Auntie Foundation to the nursery, where she was delighted to present him with a cheque for £2250.

The money had been raised from a series of events across the nursery chain with staff, children and parents working and playing together on events such as face painting, sponsored toddles, guess the weight of the sweetie jar, sports days and much, much more. Everyone entered into the events enthusiastically in order to raise as much as possible for Auntie.

“Having heard about this new charity and its aim to improve the lives of children living in extreme poverty in Africa, Happy Days felt that there was a natural synergy between themselves and Auntie – both organisations wanting the very best for the children in their care”. “An added bonus for Happy Days has been the learning and greater understanding we have all acquired as we have become involved with Auntie. The children’s knowledge of how others live, the staff and parents' understanding of how the money raised will be spent on sustainable projects to help alleviate long term poverty in Africa, have all acted as spurs to do our best in order to help”. “We are already receiving photographs from the centres where Auntie is helping and we aim to maintain a long term relationship with the Foundation so that we, and our children, can continue to learn and to make a difference to the lives of others less fortunate than us”. “We would urge other childcare providers to get involved with Auntie. This is a unique opportunity for our sector to make a real difference!” added Sarah.

We’re extremely grateful to Sarah and Robin Karkeek, the founders and Directors of Happy Days – who operate 18 nurseries in the South West – and to all of the parents, children and staff who’ve made this contribution. It’s a special moment to receive our first donation …. So a big “Thank You”.