Charity advent calendar launched to support independent retailers

Each day there is a unique offer or discount from a local independent retailer, it is £10 to take part with all proceeds from the sale going directly to support Brighton and Hove Hospital Friends, helping the local NHS and improve patient experience.

Friends fundraiser Katy Wells, who came up with the idea, said: "The businesses range from pubs and cafes to bike repairs and hand-made jewellery. They are all local independents and almost all of them have had to close in the lockdown.

"The drawings behind each window have been drawn by local school children."

"We wanted to raise money and encourage people to do their shopping locally - at local shops rather than all online, and to raise awareness of our charity and build new connections."

There are 21 businesses involved and include Brighton Palace Pier, Nanima, Book Nook, Velvet Seven Dial Flowers, Audrey’s Chocolates, The Westbourne, DNK Hair & Beauty, The Better Half, and Stopham Vineyard.

You can buy the advent calendar here There is also a virtual Christmas auction on the site which people can take part in.

Katy said: "The businesses who feature in the advent calendar have all donated items to the auction, plus many others so there's a great line-up of gifts and goodies.

"Almost all fundraising events have been cancelled and the knock on is that for most charities income is considerably down. Apart from buying the calendar or bidding in our virtual auction, people can do their own fundraising activities (many people are doing this already) and share posts about our campaigns on social media."

In March the charity is taking part in a i360 drop to raise funds, 36 people have signed up already including Suspiciously Elvis.

For more information, visit brightonhospitalfriends.org.uk/fundraise-for-us/advent-calendar/