Mold pet store helps raise nearly £100k for children’s charity

A Mold pet store has helped an independent retailer raise almost £100,000 for children’s hospices supporting families across North Wales and the borderlands.

PetPlace, which has branches in Mold, Llangefni, Ruthin, Abergele and Gledrid, and a headquarters in Kinmel Bay, has collected £94,789 for Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith – two hospices providing vital care for children and young people with life-threatening conditions.

The milestone figure is the result of years of fundraising led by Managing Director Sion Pritchard and his team, who have supported a variety of campaigns, from endurance treks and open days to raffles and pride events.

Speaking after learning the total raised, Sion said the number came as a surprise.

“We received a letter telling us how much we had donated over the years and were completely overwhelmed, it was a huge shock,” he said.

“As well as supporting events we have collection tins at all our stores which have contributed to this figure, and despite our long-standing commitment to do all we can for the hospices, for us to be so close to the £100,000 mark is amazing.

“Thank you so much to our incredible and loyal customers, we could not have done this without you – we look forward to smashing through the £100,000 barrier very soon for this brilliant charity.”

Among the standout initiatives backed by PetPlace are the Snowdon Sunrise Trek, the retailer’s annual fundraising ball, and the Summer Bumper Raffle. Local events, such as Mold’s store open day and the Gledrid Dog Weekend, have also played a part in the effort.

A key moment came during the Final Moments Matter appeal, when PetPlace pledged to match customer donations, turning £5,000 raised in five days into a £10,000 gift to the charity.

Andy Everley, Fundraising Team Leader at Hope House Tŷ Gobaith, praised the company’s commitment.

“PetPlace have had a long-standing and very loyal relationship with our hospices, one which we are very grateful for,” he said.

“Through staff fundraising, sponsorship of many key events and supporting match funding campaigns, they have hit this great total which has made a huge difference to local children and families living with a life-threatening condition.

“Huge thanks to Sion and his team thinking of their community first and choosing to support Hope House Tŷ Gobaith – you’re all amazing.”

Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith support hundreds of babies, children and young people from across North Wales, Cheshire and Shropshire each year.

• Visit Hope House Children’s Hospices for more information and to support the charity.