Savanna rags was instrumental in The Peaceful Trust becoming a registered Charity in 2009, even though Savanna has always supported many good causes and provided aid in many forms since its inception it was decided that they would fully commit to encouraging the growth of a new charity and fully support its efforts.
We opened our first charity shop in 2010 on Kestral Road in Mansfield. The building is owned by Savanna and was donated to the charity free and so was the opening stock. Savanna also provided funding for our first member of staff. Thanks to Savanna the charity was officially open for business!
Within our first year, we progressed enough to expand into Nottingham with our second shop. The charity was now in a position to employ staff, pay rent and utilities. This would not have been possible without the support from our sponsor.
Our shops provide Cash for Clothing drop off point for Savanna, They pay for the clothing we weigh in on their behalf and in return they donate a 5% commission to us for enabling this facility. All cash for clothes bags weighed in are checked and good items are placed in the shop for sale, despite Savanna paying for them they are donated to the charity free of charge.
Once we began to get established we needed to offer a collection service, without hesitation we were given the use of Savannas’ transport fleet and at times when the lifting becomes really heavy the use of their warehouse staff all at no cost to the charity.
This year saw our first Charity Ball, of course our main sponsor generously donated just under £10,000 to provide entertainment for the evening. It was a huge success and enabled us to raise £8000. Not only did that benefit the Trust half of the money was donated to another local charity that we support called APTCOO.
We are constantly growing and currently have four shops and are always looking for ways to expand and increase income for the charity. Last year our fundraising efforts took us to the top of Mount Snowdon and October 2nd will see Mohammed and Robin doing a charity parachute jump.
The Peaceful (uhuru) Trust has funded the transportation of numerous containers of aid to Zambia, assisted in building schools & clinics and bored waterholes, sponsored an ambulance in Zanzibar.
We are a major partner of The Mansfield Woodhouse Youth Project providing physical and financial support to the group who are preparing to submit a lottery bid of almost £500,000 to provide a fully functioning youth service in their village.
Working with Mansfield District Council and Notts County Council we annually organise a winter warmer event for the elderly within our community, where we provided parcels with winter essentials and treats, a free meal and information on services they can access if they need assistance. The first years success has encouraged us to provide two events this year, although this project is only in its infancy we feel it will continue to grow as it matures.
We have just started developing a new relationship with The Cornwater Club in Ravenshead who provide services for the elderly and people with dementia.
We are proud sponsor of The Chad Pride Awards (Emergency Services Award) and have been for many years, we feel strongly about supporting the events that are developed to praise those doing outstanding achievements in their communities and inspiring more people to do the same.
There are too many groups, schools and individuals to name separately but we have donated over £100,000 to good causes and despite all the hard work and efforts of staff and volunteers we could not have achieved this figure without the continued support of Savanna Rags