A CHILDREN’S charity is hoping people can help raise funds and awareness for their cause while abiding by the new law which makes face masks mandatory in shops and supermarkets.
The obligation to wear a face covering in shops in England comes into force today (Friday) with fines of up to £100 for anyone who fails to comply.
Now exclusive customised masks are available to buy for £7.50 from Hatton-based Molly Olly’s Wishes, which supports children with terminal and life-limiting illness and their families.
The charity was established in 2011 following the death of Rachel and Tim Ollerenshaw’s eight-year-old daughter Molly from a rare kidney cancer and grants wishes and donates therapeutic toys and books to both children directly and to hospitals throughout the UK.
Its mascot is a therapeutic toy lion called Olly The Brave who has his own Hickman line and a detachable mane which helps to explain and normalise the effects of chemotherapy. These form part of an Olly The Brave pack that has now been handed out to more than 40 hospitals, along with a book from the charity’s exclusive Olly The Brave series.
But the charity has been forced to find new ways of fund-raising to compensate for lost proceeds throughout the pandemic. Despite the cancellation of all its planned fund-raising events, amounting to a forecast loss of £250,000 the charity failed to qualify for any cash grants.
Founder Rachel Ollerenshaw said: “Like so many other charities, businesses and organisations the pandemic has been tough for Molly Olly’s. Fund-raising has been hit hard and making sure we keep the charity in people’s minds is important. The Molly Olly masks are a simple way to help raise both funds and awareness.
“We have sent masks as far afield as Blackpool and Cardiff so far. Please help Molly Olly’s to support children with life-threatening illnesses.”
The washable cotton masks are produced by Henley Printing and are priced at £7.50 and are adjustable to ensure a good fit. Orders can be taken via [email protected]
Further information about Molly Olly’s Wishes or details of how to donate can be found at www.mollyolly.co.uk
