Wednesday, 01 February 2012 12:39

Jersey based volunteer Hazel Smith finally calls it a day after raising over £22,000 for CHICKS, a children's charity that provide free respite breaks to disadvantaged children from all over the UK.

Hazel Smith has been fundraising for many different charties since she was a young girl and began by raising money for the National Children's home; now know as Action for Children. "Me and my twin sister have been fundraising since we were tots" she said fondly and it all started when they set up a small shop selling teddies. Hazel first heard about CHICKS when the charity was mentioned on the news. "I wrote to CHICKS and received a lovely letter back. I think what they do at CHICKS is wonderful."

Along with her husband and family, Hazel's fundraising ideas continued to grow, from holding cake stalls at summer car boot sales to knitting Christmas pudding covers. She raised money by setting up games for children to play at events held down at her local sports centre including hoopla and lucky dip. Of course Hazel always insured the children never left empty handed, sending them away will handfuls of sweets and great big smiles on their faces. Hazel also visited several of her local charities shops where she helped to repair donated clothing, so that it could be sold on in the best possible condition.

Hazel's specialty though was something she cooked called "The Jersey Wonder," a twisted shaped donut that during the celebrations of Liberation day, seemed to sell very well indeed! Armed with her Wonders, sandwiches and bacon rolls, Hazel along with eight or nine ladies from the Women's Institute said they could sometimes raise up to £1200 a day.

Hazel has put her heart and soul into every gift that she has made and stall that she has run over the years and although they are often small events, she has managed to raised over £22,000 for CHICKS alone – truly incredible!. "My sister thinks that we must have raised around £200,000 for various charities over the years" she said. This is a fantastic achievement but Hazel says "The amount of money raised doesn't matter to me, its making sure it's going to the right place. I just enjoy it, I love children and each child should be born into this world wanted and loved."

Hazel added "We've thoroughly enjoyed fundraising for CHICKS, we really have." When asked what she would say to anyone else looking to fundraise she replied, "do it, you will get a lot of enjoyment out of it, it maybe tiring but you can really help people." Hazel's has not only been a fantastic help to CHICKS, regularly sending in cheques with beautifully hand written letters, but has proved a real asset to her local community. She maybe modest about her achievements, but we want to take this opportunity to thank Hazel for all her hard work. You have made a huge difference to thousands of children from across the UK.

If you would like to follow is Hazel's footsteps we would love to hear from you. You can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 01822 811020.

For further information on Hazel's story please contact Megan Thomson, PR and Communications Assistant on 01822 811113 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ENDS

Notes for Editors:

1, CHICKS was founded in 1992. Our aim is to provide disadvantaged children from across the UK with a free respite break.

2, In 2012 we aim to give 1,200 disadvantaged children a much needed break.

3, We have two retreats in the South West and our breaks run from March to December.

4, The children CHICKS care for come from a variety of backgrounds. Many have been abused, live in poverty, or have been neglected. Others live in care or are themselves young carers, often bearing the extraordinary responsibility of caring for disabled or terminally ill relatives. What they have in common is the desperate need to create some positive childhood memories, to be listened to, and to have the kind of fun that all children deserve.

5, In October 2011 CHICKS celebrated taking their 9000th child on camp since they began in 1992 - a huge landmark they are very proud of and could not of reached without amazing supporters. The charity receives no government funding and relies solely on the generosity of individuals, organizations, community groups, trusts and foundations. Help them to reach more children every year.

6, At CHICKS children can run free and be completely safe. Every child gets the total attention of CHICKS fully trained supervisors, and are made to feel cared for and valued.

* We request that journalists include the website in all reporting www.chicks.org.uk
* We request that journalists refer to CHICKS breaks as respite breaks and not holidays
* If you require photographs please use the contact details below

Contact:
Leila Nottage
Head of PR and Communications
t:          01822 811118
e:         This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
m:        07789 642915
w:         chicks.org.uk
f:          facebook.com/chickscharity
t:          twitter.com/CHICKScharity

Registered Charity in England and Wales (1080953) and in Scotland (SCO40536)