When the branch in Oldbury Road in Blackheath welcomed its first customers last December the staff also launched an art competition for schoolchildren in the surrounding community. Now little Esmai-Rose Smart has been declared the winner with her colourful drawing of the charity store’s squirrel mascot which she has also named ‘Oakly’ due acorns being the oak tree nut.
Esmai-Rose, who attends Blackheath Primary School, in Britannia Road, was also presented with an Oakly toy for her efforts.
Store manager Chris Jennings said: “We were thrilled to run a competition with local primary schools to name our squirrel mascot, and it was six-year-old Esmai-Rose who came up with the winning name ‘Oakly’. She told us she was inspired by how acorns grow into oak trees – a truly lovely connection to our charity. We were delighted to welcome her to the shop and present her with her very own cuddly Oakly toy.”
“As the local children’s hospice for Blackheath and wider Black Country area, we’re passionate about making our shops a real part of the community – whether people choose to shop with us, donate their items or give the gift of time by volunteering. Every bit of support helps us to provide specialist care for seriously ill local children.”
The charity cares for poorly children and teenagers with life limiting conditions and needs £35,000 per day to keep its three centres serving the Black Country, Staffordshire, Birmingham and Wyre Forest open.
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