Novel fundraising idea from Mercedes-Benz of Newbury...

'Hare raising experience for Mercedes-Benz of Newbury'

A fund-raising campaign at a Newbury school is off and running after it was backed by the town’s Mercedes-Benz retailer with a novel fundraising idea that proved to be a very safe bet.

Lady luck smiled on Mary Hare School for deaf children when staff from Mercedes-Benz of Newbury raised £260 from a night of greyhound racing.

Every member of the 28-strong party was given £5 to place a bet with and the winnings were donated to the school, which has been adopted by the London Road retailer as its chosen charity.

The donation, which has been further boosted by sales of England car flags during the World Cup, will be used to build a new playground and sensory flower and vegetable garden at Mary Hare Primary School near Greenham Common. Launched earlier this summer, the fund-raising campaign has already collected one-sixth of the £22,000 required to construct the new facilities.

Mary Hare School Fundraiser Antonia McAlpine is tipping the link with Mercedes-Benz of Newbury to be a big success.

"It’s definitely the first time that money has been collected for us in this way and we had some fun explaining to the children how it was raised," she smiled.

"The money will help towards a very important and much-needed project which will provide a new playground that will be of huge benefit to our children. As well as the obvious benefit of physical activity, play equipment helps with social development – taking turns, co-operating with each other – skills which are so important for all children to develop, and which deaf children can learn through play even if they have little language to communicate with."

Antonia added: "The introduction of a Sensory Flower and Vegetable garden will be vital in stimulating their other senses such as sight, touch, smell as well as promoting healthy eating, which is becoming an important part of the curriculum. The children have already grown tomatoes and potatoes in pots but, as the site is not rabbit-proof, this was not 100% successful. It goes without saying that all of the pupils are excited about the prospect of having a new playground and sensory flower and vegetable garden.

Commenting on the tie-up, Mercedes-Benz of Newbury’s Dealer Principal Anthony Williamson said the retailer was planning further fund-raising events as well as attending the school’s Christmas Fayre and possibly hosting showroom visits for pupils.

"We wanted to support a local good cause but one that would benefit children and the Mary Hare School fitted the bill perfectly," he explained. "The night at the dogs was great fun and a real winner in every respect – bringing colleagues together from all departments across the business and generating the first of what we hope will be many donations to the school."

PHOTO CAPTION: Mary Hare Primary School pupils celebrate as Head of Centre Karen Smith shows them the cheque raised from the good fortune enjoyed by Phil Murton, Peggy Kapp and their colleagues at Mercedes-Benz of Newbury