Big hearted cinema staff have got it licked when it comes to raising money for a children’s charity.
Staff at the Odeon at the Eagles Meadow in Wrexham will be handing out free ice cream between 11.15am and 9.30pm on Tuesday, April 8.
However, customers will be asked for a charitable donation with all funds going to support the work of the NSPCC and The Variety Club.
Each year Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, founders of the American-based ice-cream giants Ben and Jerry’s say “thank you” to their loyal customers by giving away free cones on one particular day.
They have made the annual gesture since the company was launched in 1979, so visitors to the Odeon can enjoy an unexpected treat.
Cinema Manager Andy Elvis said: “It’s a great idea and customers will be served one scoop of their favourite flavour for free. All that we ask for is a small charitable donation towards our National charities – NSPCC and The Variety Club.
“There is nothing to stop customers having as many scoops as they want but they will only be served one at a time. We hope to do even better than we did last year and raise as much money for the charities as we can.
“All Odeon cinemas in the UK will be raising funds for the NSPCC and The Variety Club during Ben and Jerry’s Free Cone Day.
“The response last year was excellent. People don’t mind giving something when it’s for such a good cause.”
Staff members Danielle Powell, 22, from Acrefair, couldn’t wait for the Free Cone Day before tucking in and giving their favourite flavours a good licking.
Danielle, who has worked at the cinema for three years, hopes customers will enter into the spirit of the day by donating as much as they can to such a good cause.
She said: “ “I am sure children would just love a Ben and Jerry’s free cone to help make their cinema trip even more exciting while parents can help us raise as much as possible for such a worthwhile cause.
“I hope as many of our customers as possible grab a Ben and Jerry’s ice cream cone and help us top our target of hundreds of thousands nationwide for really worthwhile and important charities.
“I think it is brilliant that Ben and Jerry’s and the Odeon have teamed up to raise funds for the NSPCC and the Variety Club.”
Eagles Meadow Manager Kevin Critchley is an ice cream fan and is looking forward to the fund-raiser.
He said: “I think this is a brilliant fund-raising idea. When it comes to raising money for charity, we’ve got it licked!”
