Fundraising efforts by GOULDS garden centre in Weymouth and their stores in Dorchester have resulted in more than £1,000 being donated to Home-Start West Dorset.  

The local, independent charity will use the funds to support struggling families with young children in the West Dorset, Weymouth and Portland areas. 

Chris Gould, GOULDS director, explains: "Each year we nominate a charity to benefit from the fundraising raffles held at our late night Christmas shopping evenings. 

"Home-Start West Dorset does incredible work to support local families in their toughest times and we are pleased to have raised £1007 for this deserving charity. We thank all our generous customers for taking part."

The store donated ten prizes for the two raffles held in their Weymouth Garden Centre and their Household and Fashion Stores in South Street, Dorchester, on November 2 and December 1 this year. 

Prizes included gift vouchers, hampers, beauty products, planted containers and even a fresh Christmas tree complete with lights.

The Dorchester first prize winner, Ronnie Tweddle, was delighted with her win of a £250 voucher to spend in GOULDS. 

She said: "What a lovely surprise! I only entered to support such a worthy cause, but I am delighted to win a shopping spree at GOULDS. It is a store I have been shopping at for over 30 years."

At GOULDS Garden Centre in Weymouth, the first prize winner of £200 Christmas decoration voucher, Lynn Walsh, enjoyed selecting Christmas goods from a vast selection at the store.

She commented: "My grandson and I have had great fun selecting Christmas decorations from the super selection at GOULDS Garden Centre. They will bring such joy to our family this year."

Helen Horsley, manager Home-Start West Dorset, said: We are delighted by the support GOULDS have given Home-Start West Dorset. It has been an incredibly tough year for so many in our local community, and this welcome boost to our funds will go directly to support families who are struggling in Weymouth, Dorchester and West Dorset."

The charity supports 70 to 100 families in the local area each year, and is expecting demand to increase with the cost of living crisis.

Helen continued: "Being a parent has never been easy. It can be lonely, frustrating, heart breaking and over-whelming. Life-changing events can happen to anyone.

"We have trained volunteers who stand by these families through their toughest times, with non-judgemental, practical, compassionate, and emotional support. Please do get in touch if you would like to help, either as a volunteer or with a donation."

You can find contact details and more information at www.home-start.org.uk/home-start-west-dorset

GOULDS Stores have a strong history of helping those in the local community.

Anthony Gould, GOULDS director, said: "As a family-run business, we always do what we can to support the local community. 

"We are pleased to raise awareness and support this charity, which gives timely help to children and their families, when they need it the most."

Established in 1902, Goulds is Dorset's foremost department store. Still an independent, family-run business, Goulds is proud of its enviable reputation of providing first class shopping facilities with a service to match.

In Dorchester High Street, Goulds serve the local community from two stores in South Street, retailing quality branded men's and ladies clothing and accessories, cosmetics and perfumery, lingerie, leading home living brands, gifts, speciality food and drinks from local suppliers and the vibrant Dorset Kitchen Café – all at great prices.

In addition, the Goulds Garden Centre in Preston, Weymouth, boasts a comprehensive range of over 25000 product lines, including horticultural and outdoor leisure products, a well-stocked plant area, extensive gift range and The Dorset Kitchen café serving sumptuous meals and snacks.

Further along the coast, the group own the Fields of Sidmouth department store, which opened its doors to quality brands in 1809. The company has earned a reputation for traditional customer service, great value and quality goods.