A SMALL business owner has helped raised more than £70,000 to help people affected by the conflict in Ukraine.
Nadine Judd, owner of home decor and furnishing shop Punica in Poundbury, decided after seeing ‘horrifying’ images of families fleeing Ukraine that she ‘had to do something’ to help and chose to give 10% of takings to the Red Cross – which equated to around £4,500.
Upon speaking with other small businesses from around the country, more companies got involved and also agreed to give 10% of earnings, as well as put prizes together for a raffle.
More than 3,000 people entered the giveaway raising £59,0375 plus more than £6,000 in gift aid.
Ms Judd said: “I have been completely overwhelmed by the amount of support but hopefully it can make a difference – I just felt awful about those children fleeing and had to do something.
“I decided to give 10% of the business’s takings hoping I would make a £1,000 but it ended up being around £5,000.
“Eighty small businesses from across the country then got involved and it has now raised nearly £60,000 with the raffle plus gift aid and the additional 10%.
“I’m really quite shocked because we are here in our own little world and have raised this amount.”
The prize draw took place last week after thousands of people snapped up the £10 tickets.
Ms Judd continued: “We had the draw last Monday, having launched the previous Tuesday, which so far has raised £59,375 in total from 3,200 plus entries, with many people entering several times.
“Each winning ticket won a bundle of ten prizes – one each from the 80 businesses involved.”
Having been blown away by the support the Poundbury business owner just wants to raise as much as she can.
Ms Judd added: “I just want to raise as much as possible now but I would like to say thank you to everyone who has donated.
“A special mention must go to the eighty small businesses involved, most of whom are run by women.”
The fundraiser page is still open and people can donate via https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/smallbusinessforukraine
