A Telford retailer’s latest fundraising drive has delivered a major boost to three local charities, with £1,500 raised thanks to the generosity of her customers.
Julie Kaur, owner of Jules Convenience in Hadley, launched her fundraising campaign in March with an initial target of £1,200. With strong support from the community, she exceeded expectations, raising £500 each for Alzheimer's Research UK (via its Shropshire Fundraising Group), Age UK Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, and Severn Hospice.
The efforts were fuelled by Julie’s participation in the Bath Ultra Challenge 50k walk in April and two popular raffles — a giant Easter egg donated by Telford-based Magna Specialist Confectioners and a hamper packed with Cadbury’s treats and gift vouchers.
"Along with our two existing charities, we chose to support the local Alzheimer’s Research UK group as Cadbury has extended its charity partnership with Alzheimer’s Research UK into 2025, including raising awareness and providing financial support,” Julie said.
She added: “As well as my amazing customers who always back our fundraising, I’d like to thank Magna for the Easter Egg donation and Mondelēz International, owners of the Cadbury brand, for their continued support. It’s great to see large corporations and local businesses working with us to make a real difference in our communities."
Katie Foster, Chair of the Alzheimer’s Research UK Shropshire Fundraising Group, visited Jules Convenience to draw the winning raffle ticket and accept the £500 donation, which will be match-funded by a national organisation, effectively doubling the impact.
“We are incredibly grateful to Julie and her family and touched by her kindness,” Foster said. "Without increased investment in dementia research — now so urgent as dementia is the leading cause of death in the UK — one in three of us will continue to face the devastating effects it causes."
A keen runner, Julie is showing no signs of slowing down.
She plans to continue raising money throughout 2025 for Severn Hospice and Age UK Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, which is aiming to raise £75,000 in celebration of its 75th anniversary next year. As Chair of the Trustees for Age UK Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, Julie is teaming up with Kim Gilmour of Connect Consultancy to organise the next Posh Frocks Charity Dinner in October to support the appeal.
Before then, Julie will take part in the £50 Challenge for Hope House Children’s Hospices, aiming to turn a £50 investment into £600 through a raffle of a “Breakfast in a Basket” hamper.
