Sainsbury's (Ferndown Store) Local Charity of the Year 2009

The Foundation is privileged and honoured to have been selected by customers and colleagues at Sainsbury's in Ferndown, to be its 'Local Charity of the Year 2009'

Initially Sainsbury's customers and colleagues were asked to nominate a local charity for the store to support for 2009/2010. Literally hundreds of charities were nominated and eventually a committee of Sainsbury's colleagues shortlisted 3. We were fortunate to be shortlisted and asked to deliver a 15 minute presentation to the committee. Pete and Ian explained our origins, the aims of the Foundation, detailed the awards made so far and our plans for the future. We were extremely excited when we were notified the following day that we had been successful.

The partnership was launched at an in-store fashion show on Monday 22nd June.

Sainsbury's Ferndown - Fashion Show

"Bond, James Bond" was the theme for the evening and tickets were sold out for the Fashion Show promoting Sainsbury's summer range of TU clothing. The models ranged from tiny tots to adults and all had great fun entertaining the audience of more than 150 customers. Whilst the models strutted their stuff, Kerry Soanes presented the clothing to a background of James Bond theme tunes and Natasha, Jonathon and Nikki who had organised the evening, made sure that it was a very professional affair.

The raffle tickets were a massive success. Sainsbury's had donated the star prize which was a 32" television but many local companies had been extremely generous with contributions from AFC Bournemouth, Ferndown Leisure Centre, Monkey World and The Angel Inn, just to name a few.

The former Mayor of Ferndown, Councillor Lesley Dedman who had nominated the JTYAF as her 'charity of the year in 2008/2009', was in attendance and delighted to promote the Foundation's successful selection as the 'charity of the year' by Sainsbury's.

Pete Thornton provided the audience with some information about the work of the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation and Josh Williamson who was awarded a scholarship through the Junior Leaders Course, gave details of his forthcoming adventure to Tanzania, which has been funded by the JTYAF. A super buffet was laid on by Sainsbury's in the cafe and refreshments included 'martini, shaken not stirred', carrying on the theme in the 'Casino' style surroundings. The Fashion Show was an extremely enjoyable evening and the start of what will be an exciting partnership with this prestigious local Sainsbury's store.

The JTYAF would like to thank all colleagues, customers and friends who gave up their time and worked tremendously hard to put together this exceptional event. A total of £712 was raised at the show and many thanks must also go to the customers for their generosity. The support of Sainsbury's will raise awareness of the JTYAF in the local community and make a massive contribution towards the Foundation's continued success.

Sainsbury's Winter Wonderland - Monday 9th November

Natasha, Jonathan, Vicky and Nikki put together another amazing evening on 9th November. The theme was Winter Wonderland, promoting the Christmas Tu collection. It was an evening of fun, laughter, glitz, and glamour as Sainsbury's colleagues promoted the fantastic Winter range. There was something for everyone from tiny tots to the not so tiny, old and young, ladies and gents.

It was a full house and tickets included a delicious light buffet and refreshments. There were many fantastic raffles prizes, including a 32" TV kindly donated by Sainsbury's. The show was a massive success and it was pleasure to see how much the colleagues enjoyed strutting their stuff! We hope to have some photos soon.

The trustees at the JTYAF would like to thank Natasha, Jonathan, Vicky and Nikki for their hard work and commitment in organising such a fantastic event. Many thanks also to the colleagues who gave up their time to model and help behind the scenes. We are indeed privileged to be Sainsbury's Ferndown Charity of the Year. The dedication and commitment of all the staff to the JTYAF has certainly exceeded all expectations and we have been made so welcome by everyone, that we feel part of a big family.

A very big thank you to all involved.