A gaming café in Harrogate is raising money to create a calm space in its store designed specially for autistic customers.
Geek Retreat has teamed up with autism support specialist KoKoPie Families to hit its £250 fundraising target and is already a third of the way there.
Supporters can make a donation to guess the number of sweets in a large jar in-store or enter a prize draw to win a hamper.
The initiative will culminate on Saturday, February 25, when the Geek Retreat will hold its main fundraising event at its Oxford Street premises, with a bake sale, portrait-drawing and game-play.
Geek Retreat staff member Maddy said:
“It’s really important to me and the team at Geek Retreat that everyone has a space where they feel safe and wanted. I already see this happening at Geek Retreat, and can’t wait to see how the fundraiser makes that goal include as many people as possible.”
The funds will be used to supply sensory equipment, a film-screening licence and equipment, bean-bags, stim-kits, and inclusive books to add to the café’s diversity library.
Nurse consultant Laura Hellfeld, who runs KoKoPie Families, said:
“Partnering with Geek Retreat was a quick decision as we share a vision of creating inclusive and accepting spaces. The resources bought through this fundraiser will be incredibly valuable for ensuring even more community members know that they are valued and welcomed into a café that has been adjusted to fit their needs.”
Geek Retreat is a national franchise operation, with about 50 stores across Britain.
To donate to Geek Retreat’s inclusive calm space fundraiser online, go to its JustGiving page.
Read more:
- ‘Long waiting lists’ for child ADHD and autism in Harrogate, says MP
- Harrogate’s Geek Retreat to create autism-friendly space
- Harrogate Library to launch Lego club for children with autism and disabilities
Fundraisers embark on 500 mile challenge to raise money for friend’s son
Two Harrogate fundraisers are embarking on a combined 500 mile run throughout January to raise money after their friend lost her life to bowel cancer.
Emma Egerton died on December 10, 2022, leaving behind her five-year-old son Oliver.
As a result, Sarah Long and Nikkie Brown, Emma’s friends, have sought to take on the challenge to raise money to set up a trust fund for Oliver and raise awareness of bowel cancer in the process.
The pair will embark on around eight miles per day in an effort to reach the 500 mile target before the end of the month.
Sarah said the two friends were taking on the challenge to help give Oliver a future after losing his mum.
She said:
“No child should ever lose their Mummy at such a young age and nothing will ever replace his loss – we hope that by doing a little something to raise funds for his Trust Fund will go a tiny way to give Oliver a brighter future.”
The pair have so fair raised £980 towards their cause.
For more information on the campaign and how to donate, visit Sarah and Nikkie’s JustGiving page here.
Read more:
- Charity run in Harrogate set to mark 30 years of fundraising
- Charity pays for two cancer nurses at Harrogate hospital