A campaign to turn Wrexham into the first dementia-friendly-town in Wales is being boosted by artistic coffee lovers.
Staff at Starbucks at the town’s Eagles Meadow shopping centre came up with a novel idea to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society.
They have organised a competition in which customers can donate £1 to design their own coffee mug.
The proceeds will go the Alzheimer’s Society as several members of the Starbucks team have relatives who have suffered from dementia.
Manager Alexandra Roberts is also keen to become involved in the Purple Angel campaign to raise awareness about dementia with local shops and businesses.
Locally, the scheme is being championed by the Pendine Park care organisation who are keen to turn Wrexham into the first dementia-friendly town in Wales.
Businesses that take part will be given a simple training manual so staff are better equipped to recognise the symptoms of dementia and respond accordingly.
They will then display posters and stickers with the Purple Angels logo to signify that they are dementia aware.
The competition at Starbucks was the idea of two members of the management team, Claire Edwards and Rob Stead.
Manager Alexandra Roberts explained: “We decided to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society as several members of staff have, unfortunately, had family members who have suffered from the condition. We have normally raised funds for another charity but decided on this occasion to support the Alzheimer’s Society.”
“I’d certainly like to see Starbucks Eagles Meadow displaying a Purple Angels logo in our window as soon as possible.”
Supervisor Andrew Maskell said: “It’s quite simple. Customers pay their £1 and are given a plain white disposable cup which only has the Starbucks logo on it.
“People taking part need to come up with a design and draw that onto the cup with felt pens which we provide.
“The winning design will win some Starbucks Via micro ground coffee, a bag of coffee and a Starbucks tumbler.
“The competition is proving really popular with customers drawing their designs while they enjoy a coffee. It’s proving a real talking point but the main thing is we are raising funds for a very good cause.”
Among those who’ve given it a go were customers Megan Owens, 18, and Hedd Roberts, 20, who were on their first date.
Forensic science student Megan said: “It’s a great way to raise funds for a really worthy cause. Hedd and I have really enjoyed designing our cups. It’s been an unusual way of celebrating a first date!”
IT student Hedd added: “It certainly inspires creativity! But in all seriousness it’s a tremendous way to raise funds for a very worthy cause.
“I’m sure it’s going to be very popular and will raise a really good amount of money. I certainly hope my design is a winner!”
Eagles Meadow shopping centre manager Kevin Critchley thought the competition was a great idea.
He said: “Dementia is a growing problem in our society and we need to learn to deal with it, and we need to remember that people who are suffering from dementia are ill.
“I wish Starbucks all the best with this imaginative competition which will enable customers to have fun being creative whilst raising money for a very important charity.”
