Shropshire Star

Telford firm answers Children In Need call again

Telford-based company Lyreco is throwing its weight behind the BBC’s Children in Need campaign for the 16th year running.

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Pudsey, the Children in Need mascot

The company’s Donnington Wood headquarters will once again be used as a call centre for the November 16 appeal – handling thousands of calls from big-hearted people from around the country.

And the office supplies and workplace solutions firm is also staging fundraising events of its own to help boost the appeal’s coffers, and supporting the campaign to give Broseley youngster Zac Oliver lifesaving treatment at the same time.

Louise Hoffman, marketing and communications manager at Lyreco, said: "We will have 50-plus team members who have all volunteered to man the phones on the night, many of whom will bring their own families in to make it a really special occasion.

“We are also staging a Children in Need bake off throughout the week leading up to the big day, culminating in a showstopper challenge on November 16 itself which will pit teams of bakers from our various departments against each other.

“The sale of the cakes and buns our teams create has always raised lots of money for Children in Need and we are sure our bakers will rise to the challenge again this year and produce something truly remarkable.”

The company is also staging a sponsored walk this Saturday, to raise money for both Children in Need and the Zac Oliver appeal, as part of its involvement with Telford’s 50th birthday celebrations.

Louise added: “As part of the town’s 50th birthday celebrations, a new 50-mile trail has been created, connecting existing footpaths and rights of way, taking in many of Telford's green open spaces and part of which goes right past our offices.

“The trail we're walking is 7.7 miles long, starting in Lilleshall and finishing in Telford Town Park, and is a great opportunity for a fun family day out, all while raising lots of money for charity.

“The appeal to help Zac is very close to our hearts and has captured the imagination of the whole country. We thought this would be an ideal opportunity to support both it and Children in Need.”

A special football match between staff from the company’s National Distribution Centre and head office is also being staged on Sunday November 11to further boost the Children in Need appeal.

The match will be hosted at Oakengates Leisure Centre with a 2pm kick off. It will be followed by refreshments at St Georges Sports and Social Club at full time. Everyone is welcome to come and support the teams.

How you can continue to help the Zac Oliver appeal: