Communities across the South West came together on 22 July to enjoy one of Britain’s favourite traditions for a great cause as the very first Big Cream Tea raised more than £500 for The Fine & Country Foundation, while also helping to raise awareness of its work.
Organised by Edward Taylor, Director of Fine & Country Marlborough and Devizes and Regional Ambassador for The Fine & Country Foundation, the initiative saw Fine & Country offices across the South West host cream tea events and take to local high streets with scones, jam and cream to raise funds and awareness for The Fine & Country Foundation.
The Big Cream Tea was designed to bring people together, celebrate local communities and raise vital funds to support charities tackling homelessness and poverty. Members of the public stopped by to enjoy a delicious cream tea and support the cause, while others contributed through the dedicated JustGiving page.
Funds raised through initiatives such as the Big Cream Tea are added to The Fine & Country Foundation’s grant programme, which distributes funding through its established Spring and Autumn grant rounds. Grants of up to £3,000 are awarded to charities working on the front line to combat homelessness and poverty, providing essential support where it is needed most. Every pound raised helps extend The Foundation’s reach and enables more organisations to benefit from this vital assistance.
Since its launch in 2014, The Fine & Country Foundation has raised and donated more than £1 million to charitable organisations across the UK and internationally. This milestone has been made possible thanks to the dedication and generosity of the Fine & Country network, whose fundraising efforts continue to make a meaningful difference to vulnerable people and communities.
Edward Taylor, Director of Fine & Country Marlborough and Devizes and Regional Ambassador for The Fine & Country Foundation, said: “The Big Cream Tea was a fantastic opportunity to bring our offices and communities together over something everyone loves, while raising awareness and much-needed funds for The Fine & Country Foundation. It was incredible to see so many offices across the South West getting involved in this first event, and we’d like to thank everyone who joined us for a cuppa, a scone and the chance to support charities making a real difference in the fight against homelessness and poverty. Together, we raised more than £500, and just as importantly, helped spread awareness of The Foundation’s work.”
Emile Despois, Trustee of The Fine & Country Foundation, added: “The Foundation exists to support charities that are working tirelessly to tackle homelessness and poverty, and community fundraising initiatives like the Big Cream Tea play a hugely important role in helping us do that. Every donation, no matter how large or small, contributes towards grants that provide meaningful support to organisations delivering life-changing services. It was wonderful to see the South West lead the way with this fantastic new initiative, and we hope it inspires many more events in the future.”
The inaugural Big Cream Tea proved to be a memorable day of fundraising, community spirit and, of course, plenty of delicious treats. With more than £500 raised and increased awareness of The Fine & Country Foundation achieved, the event marked a successful first outing for what is hoped will become an annual tradition.
And while the fundraising may be over, perhaps there’s still one important question left to settle… do you put the jam or the cream on first?
