During January, Natalie West, of The Little Igloo Company, had the brilliant idea of organising a giveaway amongst some Hassocks business owners, including Indigo and CakesByLara. Altogether, six businesses put together a generous package of gifts to support deserving families through this difficult winter. Natalie West says: “I am a new business and wanted to support other local businesses. I thought if we all got together, we could help each other out, and then I came up with the idea to do a local family giveaway.”
“When Natalie asked if I would like to be involved it was an immediate yes from Harry and Belle!” adds Vanessa Burnham. “It felt great to be involved with a giveaway that would help to bring some light and respite in dark and challenging times.”
Ruth Corke of the beauty salon, Profiles, comments: “I thought the competition was a lovely idea, especially at the moment, with so many families having a really tough time being separated from their extended family, job losses, illnesses, and the nation home-schooling and coping with all the challenges that brings with it!”
Briony Torney agrees: “This latest lockdown has been tough for absolutely everyone and I really sympathise with the children stuck inside, unable to see friends or go to school AND the parents doing the impossible – home-schooling and attempting to work at the same time. And, of course, it’s been even tougher for some people for a variety of reasons.
“So the idea of a beautiful igloo, packed full of goodies, magically appearing in your garden seemed like fun and an exciting treat at any age!” As owner of Briony Mae Flowers, she’s aware of the benefits of blooms, and continues: “Flowers are known to help with boosting moods so offering a bunch to the winner and runners up seemed an easy way to lift spirits a tad. Since the first lockdown I’ve been offering Friday Flowers locally every week, small bunches to perk up your home, or gift to a friend.” There’s much we share in common through these difficult times. “It’s the little things that keep us going,” points out Briony, and she admits that for her, it’s a real boost to have the occasional coffee from Proper.
Local residents were asked to nominate possible recipients for the giveaway and the businesses were very moved by the response. “Hassocks is such a caring community of people of all ages,” comments Ruth, “and it was really lovely to read what people wrote about each other and why they wanted to nominate.”
“We had some amazing nominations that were also heart-breaking,” recalls Natalie. “We decided to separate some gifts so we could give a smile to a few more families.” An outdoor igloo was set up in the winner’s garden and other gifts placed inside. Profiles donated a beauty box hamper worth over £150. “The lady that won sent me a message and was delighted with all her goodies,” explains Ruth. “The salon is currently offering a selection of ‘click and collect’ hampers every few weeks with each one having a limited quantity: themes vary from ‘New Mum’ to ‘Thank you’ to seasonal specials. They’re ideal as gifts or if you wish to treat yourself.”
Vanessa, who donated earrings, comments: “The lovely part of making and sourcing jewellery is that it has the power to give a little feel-good to the recipient. Since the arrival of Covid in our lives, we have all come to understand the importance of our immediate community. We’ve felt our worlds shrink significantly and it’s felt more important than ever to consider those close by.” Other gifts included cupcakes from CakesbyLara and a voucher for Indigo. “It was great to bring some joy when everything has felt pretty bleak,” adds Vanessa.
“I would love to do this again, maybe in the summer,” says Natalie.