Chamber president backs ‘Pamper Hamper’ campaign

Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber President Fiona Rouse is calling on businesses across the districts to support a ‘Pamper Hamper’ campaign in the run-up to Christmas.

Launched from humble beginnings eight years ago, the initiative provides hundreds of packs of unused toiletries, health products and beauty items to community organisations in time for the festive period.

Among the main beneficiaries is Number Eight Tamworth, the chosen charity of Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber, which supports homeless young mothers and their babies.

Chamber members, including St Giles Hospice and Scolmore alongside many other local pubs, businesses and supermarkets, are hosting drop-off boxes for employees and residents to donate ahead of the Friday 24 November deadline.

Fiona Rouse, managing director of PI-KEM in Tamworth, said: “This charity campaign gains a huge amount of support locally in Tamworth and is now gaining support in Lichfield as well. Pi-KEM is in its fourth year of collecting.

“Our partnership with Number Eight Tamworth really has highlighted the importance and positivity of helping others, ensuring everyone – parents, carers, children, siblings - gets a worthwhile Christmas present that gives them confidence around the festive season.

“Men’s and women’s new toiletries and pamper gifts are accepted!” 

Dawn Candy, operations manager at Number Eight Tamworth, said: “In the eight years since Diane Bridgen at Central Hub Logistics and her team of volunteers started this idea, our moms have been incredibly well supported.

“However, the campaign now goes far beyond supporting a handful of people and reaches hundreds of families.

“The kindness and support shown throughout the area is incredible and everyone involved should be so proud of the final hamper offerings.”

Community organisations which benefit from the donations include Number Eight Tamworth, Homestart, Tamworth Cancer and Wellbeing Centre, Tamworth Together CIC and many more.

For a full list of drop off points across both districts and more information on the donations required, visit the Pamper Hamper Facebook page.

Pictured: Pamper Hamper campaign founder Diane Bridgen with some of the donated products