Make someone smile today

"They’re a charitable bunch – that Europa lot”. It’s a phrase we hear quite often. But instead of just making us feel good and giving us the chance to blow our own trumpet (we think it’s under a box somewhere in the office, but we’re not 100% sure) there’s a more serious reason behind why we support others.

Being an independent, family run business for over 50 years, we understand the importance of support. Without certain people doing certain things, who knows – we may not be where we are today. Far from being random acts of kindness, we give a lot of thought to who we help, ensuring we do our bit where we think it will make the most difference – whatever that need may be, or whatever sphere and phase of life those asking for support might come from. Every business was young once, and nearly all will need support as we get older, at some point or other. It’s the same in life. Sadly, in the hustle and bustle of the daily grind it’s sometimes all too easy to forget that.

So, if we get the chance – we try and take time out to lend a helping hand (however big or small), and make someone smile.

Recently, we made good use of our old stock by donating it to St Christophers - an organization that specialises in providing appropriate end of life care and support - to sell on through their shops.

And, if you happened to be one of the 8,000 people who watched Oxford United FC play Wycombe Wanderers last Saturday (01 November), you may have seen our lovely carpet in the Family Stand, which we donated for the kids areas in support of a charity set up by OUFC to give tickets to disadvantaged children and local schools – just one of the ways that it is supporting development in the local community in Oxford.

Remember: the season of goodwill shouldn’t start and end with Christmas.