The Cherry Tree pub in Wishaw has once again smashed its annual fundraising target after raising over £6,000 for a local charity.
Management Partner Helen Paterson is a passionate fundraiser and beloved member of the Netherton community. This year, with the help of generous regulars, local businesses, and friends, she has raised a total of £6,447 for the St Andrews Hospice.
Talking on behalf of the magnificent achievement, Helen said: “I am absolutely delighted, never did I expect us to raise so much money. Last year we hit £5,000 for Cancer Research, to have beaten that figure, it’s just amazing!”
Crediting the generosity of the community and in particular her friends Yvonne Jeffrey, Bill Dunbar and David Haig, Helen says that without them, none of this would be possible.
“To have so many people support us, even when times are tough, and everyone is tightening their belts is unbelievable. I appreciate more than most how tough times are, especially being in this industry, it restores faith in humans and shows that people do still care. I’m so grateful to everybody who’s made this happen,” Helen said.
This year’s fundraiser has been months in the making, with hours and hours of planning having gone into it. The first fundraiser was a golfing event, a competition which was held on behalf of the Hospice and generously hosted by Wishaw Golf Club, followed by a pool tournament at The Cherry Tree.
An online auction also contributed towards the incredible total, with prizes including a donated tour of the Ibrox Stadium, a framed commemorative Arsenal FC print, a guitar and amplifier, a drum kit and luxury spa day for eight.
In addition to the fundraising events and auction, Helen also hosted a raffle, entertainment, and food for guests to enjoy on Friday 23rd of June where the popular pub was packed-out with enthusiastic crowds hoping to smash last years’ target. Glasgow City Council also provided a generous boost with a £500 donation too.
This year’s worthy recipient is St Andrews Hospice, chosen personally by Helen who wanted to choose a charity which was close to people’s hearts. She said: “I know that the Hospice has helped a lot of my regulars and the wider community, so it means a lot to many people. St Andrews Hospice are incredibly worthy of this money, and we hope that it can make a difference.”
Doing things for others comes as second nature to Helen, who since being at the helm of The Cherry Tree has not only raised thousands of pounds for charity but has also supported local initiatives and the wider community. Her popular ‘Community Cook-in’ which started off as a Vinyl night is a weekly opportunity for guests to bring a cooked dish of their choice, which is shared amongst regulars ensuring that everybody gets a home-cooked, hot meal.
“It feels good to give back to the community.’ Helen said, “we’re all incredibly supportive of each other, like one big family, so it’s important for them to be at the heart of what we do.”