Rags to Riches Appeal
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre are launching their Rags to Riches Appeal in aid of local charity, Florence Nightingale Hospice on Mon 1 December. Running throughout this year’s traditional family pantomime, Cinderella until Sun 4 Jan, the appeal urges audience members and anyone wishing to have a pre-Christmas clearout to donate unwanted items, including shoes, clothing and accessories. The donated items will be given to the Florence Nightingale Hospice for their retail shops.
Supported by star of the show Suzanne Shaw who is playing the Fairy Godmother in this year’s pantomime, the appeal will collect unwanted items which can be sold at the charity’s retail outlets.
Suzanne Shaw said: ‘I am delighted to be backing the Rags to Riches Appeal. I know the theatre works closely with the hospice and that they recently celebrated their 25th anniversary, so what better way to continue the celebrations than with a festive appeal. I hope the people of Aylesbury and beyond dig deep and clear out their cluttered wardrobes – it’s a good excuse to make space for all those Christmas pressies!’
The appeal has received lots of local support with Thame business Media Ace providing the artwork for the appeal and Aylesbury company Your Party Bunting printing the bunting and signage free of charge.
Sue Jenkins, Executive Director of Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity said: ‘I would like to say a very big thank you to the team at the Waterside Theatre for their fantastic support of Florence Nightingale Hospice. We really hope the local community gets behind this wonderful Rags to Riches Appeal, which in turn will help raise vital funds to support palliative care for families affected by life-limiting illness on our doorstep.’
The charitable offering doesn’t stop there. Bucket collections are being held after all performances of Cinderella raising money for both Florence Nightingale Hospice and children’s charity When You Wish Upon A Star.