Businesses back the Piers Simon Appeal

SIX Somerset businesses delivered an extra special Secret Santa gift this festive season by donating the money they would have spent on gifts to the School in a Bag project - a charity initiative run by the Piers Simon Appeal. Businesses back the Piers Simon Appeal

Staff from the Somerset Chamber of Commerce, AB Heritage, Clerksroom, Handlesbanken, Mediatopia and Andika Partnership – all based at Equity House at the Blackbrook Business Park, Taunton – together raised £200 for the charity.

The funds will provide SchoolBags of stationery and resources for poor, orphan, vulnerable and disaster affected children.

Jenn Chidley, marketing and communications co-ordinator at the Somerset Chamber of Commerce, said: “Each year the Somerset Chamber of Commerce selects one of its Chamber charity members to donate its secret Santa money to instead of giving gifts, and this year we approached neighbouring businesses in Equity House to join us in our pledge.

''Due to the time of the year, the Piers Simon Appeal and the charity’s School in a Bag initiative were at the forefront of our thoughts and we are delighted to say we have raised £200 between us.”

Luke Simon, School in a Bag charity liaison officer, said: “We are delighted to have been the beneficiary of such Secret Santa generosity courtesy of the businesses at Equity House.

''Their contribution will fund 13 SchoolBags for poor children around the world giving them the gift of hope for a brighter future.

''Next year, one of our School in a Bag aims is to expand our corporate network and outreach, so to have six Somerset businesses supporting us this Christmas has provided the perfect kick start for 2013.”

The Piers Simon Appeal was set up in memory of tsunami victim Piers Simon, from Chilthorne Domer, following his death on the Thai island of Koh Phi Phi on Boxing Day 2004. The body of 33-year-old former Yeovil College student Piers was found a few days later on New Year's Eve by his brother Luke.

The PSA is a disaster relief charity that delivers aid worldwide through donations and via the School in a Bag initiative, which has helped over 35,000 vulnerable children across the globe.

More information about the Piers Simon Appeal and its fundraising activities can be found at www.pierssimonappeal.org and www.schoolinabag.org.

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