GENEROUS PUB CUSTOMERS ENSURE IT’S A HAPPY EASTER FOR CHILDREN WHO MIGHT MISS OUT ON SEASONAL TREATS

Big-hearted customers at one of our Lancashire pubs are helping to ensure underprivileged local children don’t miss out on treats this Easter.

The Half Way House in Blackpool has launched a special Easter appeal, inviting customers to donate chocolate eggs and other seasonal goodies so that disadvantaged youngsters in the area don’t go without. All donations will be distributed through Blackpool Social Services to families most in need.

The appeal is particular pertinent given that Blackpool has one of the highest child poverty rates in the UK, with nearly 44% of children living in poverty. One in every 52 children in the town is currently in care, compared with one in 140 across England.

And so with around 80 million Easter eggs sold in the UK each year, landlady Suzanne Tingle hopes her pub’s charity appeal will ensure that more of them reach children who might otherwise receive nothing.

Said Suzanne: “It’s heartbreaking to think there are children who will wake up on Easter Sunday unable to enjoy something as simple as a chocolate egg or a few seasonal treats. Our customers are incredibly generous, and we know they won’t let these youngsters down. They donated so many gifts through our Giftmas Tree appeal at Christmas, and once again they’re stepping up to help children who would otherwise go without.”

The Half Way House is owned by Manchester-based Joseph Holt Brewery, whose annual charity appeal this year is also focused on supporting children. The 176-year-old family business aims to raise £250,000 for four North West children’s charities, including the Fylde Kids Foundation which works to ensure no child on the Fylde Coast goes without the essentials they need to grow, thrive, and reach their full potential.

Adds Mark Norbury, director of pubs at Joseph Holt: “With so many Easter eggs and treats in the shops it’s easy to forget some children will wake up to nothing on Easter morning. Thanks to Suzanne and her wonderful customers, we’re making sure that it least in Blackpool that won’t happen”

* If you’d like to donate an Easter treat to the Half Way House just hand into the pub during opening hours. Closing date for donations is March 30th