Charity Successfully Hosts its Annual Christmas Market Online

November 10, 2020 Mums&Dads 0 Comments charity, Mellor Country House

The Mellor Country House is a small self-funded charity, relying solely on a committee of volunteers. It nestles in three acres of gardens and woodland in the pretty village of Mellor situated on the border of Greater Manchester and the High Peak.

The Mellor Country House has been changing lives since its inception at the end of the 19th century by providing much needed respite for disadvantaged families, carers, groups, and individuals from areas in Stockport, Manchester and Salford. Its Christmas Delights Market is an important fundraising event usually held within the beautiful Edwardian building. Sadly, this year, due to the current restrictions, all plans to host the festive extravaganza inside the house had to be cancelled. Then, thanks to the volunteers’ dedication and tenacity, the team has unveiled its 2020 festive events programme that will be hosted virtually.

The Christmas Delights Market is now open until Sunday 13th December via a dedicated Facebook group where visitors can peruse the fabulous selection of Christmas treats and gifts including toys, handmade Christmas cards, jewellery and much more – all whilst enjoying a mince pie or mug of mulled wine from their very own home.

In addition to Christmas shopping for loved ones, the charity is selling raffle tickets for just £2 each as part of the event, where visitors will have the chance of winning some wonderful prizes kindly donated by local businesses including lunch for two at All Things Nice in Marple, £40 voucher for Sherlocks Hairdressers in Marple Bridge, horse trek for two at Mill Farm Riding School in Hazel Grove, voucher for gel nails at Thomas Bradley Hair and Beauty in Offerton, a cut and blow voucher worth up to £40 at The Salon of Marple and a handmade cushion from Kathryn Smith Interiors based in Marple – plus many more lovely prizes.

Another great way for individuals and businesses to get involved is to host a virtual stall themselves – with Mellor Country House posting items frequently on their Facebook page and just a small £10 donation requested once successful sales have been made.

Katie Clark, volunteer for Mellor Country House, said: “Like many charities we’ve been hit very hard this year, and it’s our festive fundraising activities that are most successful in securing funds for the following year.

“We raise money so that we can provide short self-catering breaks to those who otherwise wouldn’t get any respite from the hardships of their day-to-day lives. The escape we provide has literally been lifesaving to some individuals, and without the much-needed funds required to keep the charity’s head above water, we wouldn’t be able to continue to help people in dire need of a break.

“Our Christmas fund-raisers are always happy, joyful times for all involved and we’ve pulled out all the stops to try and recreate this feeling online. We know it can’t replicate the joining of groups physically but we hope we can drum up plenty of comradery from far and wide to ensure more smiles on the faces of those we’re so desperate to help.”

In addition to the virtual market, the team at Mellor Country House is selling Christmas trees. The beautiful Nordman non-drop pine trees are available in a range of sizes from 4ft to 12ft high – guaranteeing to brighten any size home or business. Christmas wreaths are also available – with prices starting from £10.

Katie concluded: “Christmas is a time for celebrating, and we hope that our virtual Christmas Delights Market will provide an opportunity to purchase many gifts and treats to make your loved ones smile throughout these tough times. Christmas 2020 may not be the usual bustling event of the year but, if we can drum up enough support, we’re hoping we can make 2021 a very happy time for those who need it most in the beautiful Mellor Country House.”