Bag a bargain for charity – Children’s charity Jessie May hosts first Handbag Amnesty fundraiser

Jessie May invites public to handbag fundraiser in support of local terminally ill children.

Children’s hospice at home charity Jessie May is inviting individuals and businesses to donate their pre-loved handbags and bag a bargain accessory of their own during their fundraiser next month.

The charity, whose nurses support terminally ill children throughout Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Wiltshire, Bath and North East Somerset, is looking for handbag donations for the Handbag Amnesty event, which takes place on Thursday 13th September at Fig Offices, Swindon.

The charity is looking for donations to be delivered to their Bristol office, based in Kingswood, or their Swindon base, to help raise as much money as possible during the fundraiser.

Jessie May’s Swindon and Wiltshire Fundraising Officer Debbie Clark said: “This is our first Handbag Amnesty and we’re really looking forward to it! It’s the perfect excuse for everyone to clear out their wardrobes and drawers, and donate their pre-loved bags to a local charity.

“We’re looking for people to donate their unwanted handbags to help us raise as much money as possible. Alternatively, come along to the event and bag yourself some new handbags for the summer! The money raised will help fund the Jessie May nurses who are currently providing vital respite care to families with life limited children, as well as emotional support, end of life care and bereavement support.

“We’re inviting everyone to drop in before the event with their handbags – or bring to our Bristol base - and share the event with their friends, families and colleagues to make our first handbag amnesty a very special, and successful day.

“Many thanks to Fig Offices for helping us host the event and for their continued support of Jessie May.”

Entry to the event is £5, with all proceeds going towards supporting local terminally ill children and their families. Visitors can rehome multiple handbags on the day, and also take part in a raffle in support of Jessie May on the ground floor of the building.

Fig Offices generously donated office space to Jessie May in Swindon last year, giving the charity’s specialist nurses, who provide hospice at home care, a base in the town.

Gemma George, Centre Manager at Fig Offices, said: “It’s important for Fig Offices to give back to the local charities in the area. Being in a central location has given Jessie May some identity and somewhere they have been able to concentrate on the important jobs they’re doing.

“To see the progression this year for the Swindon team and somehow be a part of it has been a wonderful opportunity for us to share what we can. We are very much looking forward to hosting this event during which Jessie May can hopefully gain some much needed and valued resource.”

The Jessie May Handbag Amnesty takes place on the Ground Floor of Fig Offices, 3 Newbridge Square, Swindon, on Thursday 13th September, from 10am to 4pm. To donate your handbags before the event, please drop in to Jessie May’s Bristol office at 35 Old School House, Kingswood Estate, Kingswood, Bristol, BS15 8DB or the Fig Offices in Swindon.