Ghouls, vampire and zombies are hoping to raise a coffin full of charity cash with a weekend of Halloween fun.
Staff at the Frankie & Benny’s restaurant at the Eagles Meadow Shopping Centre in Wrexham are donning scary outfits for a weekend of horror-filled fundraising for children’s hospice Hope House.
The organisation needs to raise £6.2 million a year to maintain their vital services for children with life-limiting conditions and their families.
They have two hospices, Hope House near Oswestry and Tŷ Gobaith in the Conwy Valley.
The charity is currently helping more than 500 families from across North and Mid Wales, Cheshire and Shropshire
Deputy manager Laura Wynne has taken on the role of head witch and come up with some fun party games to keep customers on their toes.
She said: “All staff team members are paying a fee to come dressed up in Halloween costumes and we have lots going on including a child-friendly unlucky dip, ghostly music and dry ice giving the restaurant a spooky feel.
“It’s all aimed at raising more funds for our dedicated charity, Together for Shorter Lives, which ultimately means money going to Hope House Children’s Hospice.
“And to boost the total we raise for the charity the chefs have agreed to donate their tips to the charity which is itself a great gesture.”
Laura says the Halloween weekend is just one of a series of fundraising events staff have used to raise money for Together for Shorter Lives.
She said: “Over the year we have raised a great deal of money through a series of events such as our Easter egg hunt and staff sponsored walks. I’d like to think we can raise £200 this weekend alone.
“It’s going to be a freaky place to visit but we hope our regular customers will support us and help boost our fundraising for what is a really good cause.”
Eagles Meadow manager Kevin Critchley says he supports the fundraising efforts of the Frankie & Benny’s team.
He said: “Together for Shorter Lives is a wonderful charity and I understand money raised in this area goes to Hope House Children’s Hospice which has a special place in the hearts of many Wrexham people.
“It never ceases to me amaze me just how many charities and good causes benefit from the fundraising ideas and schemes that are undertaken by shop and restaurant staff here at Eagles Meadow Shopping Centre.”
