Carrier bags and charity - Cheltenham Open Door

by Ben Fardon

Hi folks,

The last financial quarter finished a last week, the end of the carrier bags for charity schemes fifteenth full quarter and together we raised a whopping £41.39.

Last time we donated to Comic Relief and the Disasters Emergency Committee's Nepal Earthquake Appeal. This time a local charity was nominated by one of our customers, Joe S.

Cheltenham Open Door supports vulnerable, disadvantaged and lonely people. They work to relieve poverty, hardship and social or emotional distress by offering them hospitality, warmth, food and somewhere to relax. Cheltenham Open Door  rely solely on donations to provide the services they do.

They accept donations of food, clothing and money and the ways you can donate can be found here.

The next carrier bag donation should be in early October. If like Joe, you have a charity you'd like Proud Lion to support, please email me at shop@proudlion.co.uk.

Carrier bags and charity - Red Nose Day & the Disasters Emergency Committee's Nepal Earthquake Appeal

by Ben Fardon

Hi folks,

With all the major works going on behind the scenes last year, we've fallen behind on telling you about our charitable donations from the carrier bags, but the scheme is still going on!

The months of October-December 2014 were our 15th full quarter and together we raised £42.30.

The months of January-March 2015 were our 16th full quarter and together we raised £36.44.

Last time we donated to the United Nations System Response to the Ebola Outbreak. This trust was set up to unite efforts of the UN to stop the outbreak, treat the infected, ensure continuity within affected countries and prevent outbreaks in countries currently unaffected.  Our contribution will provide vital support to the United Nations as it works to halt the Ebola outbreak in West Africa and treat the thousands of people who have been infected with Ebola virus disease. Thanks to our contribution, the World Health Organization will be able to procure vital supplies, such as personal protective equipment and chlorine, as well as provide crucial technical assistance to the governments of Ebola-affected countries.

For the 15th quarter, we've donated that £42.30 to Comic Relief, an organisation that needs no introduction!

For the 16th quarter, we're donating that £36.44 to the Disasters Emergency Committee's Nepal Earthquake Appeal. As the DEC only takes donations in whole numbers, I've taken the liberty of rounding the donation up to £40.00.

On Saturday 25 April a massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal. It severely shook the lives of at least 5.3m people and left many homeless.  Nepal’s major cities, including the capital Kathmandu, have been badly damaged and rural areas near the epicentre have been completely cut off by avalanches.

Already over 3000 people have been confirmed dead and the figure is likely to rise significantly in the coming days. Even those whose homes are still standing are sleeping in the streets because they are terrified by regular aftershocks.

DEC member agencies and their partners are working urgently to provide emergency shelter, food, clean water and blankets.  Once immediate, life-saving needs are met they will work with individuals, families and communities to support them to rebuild their lives.  You can help by making a donation now. - taken from the DEC website

The next carrier bag donation should be in early July. If you have a charity you'd like Proud Lion to support, please email me at shop@proudlion.co.uk.

Carrier bags and charity - United Nations System Response to the Ebola Outbreak

by Ben Fardon

Hi folks,

The last financial quarter finished a few weeks ago, and I've been mulling over what to do with our latest charitable donation from carrier bag proceeds. Then I read today's news reports and saw that UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon was appealing for more money to be donated to the Ebola trust fund and I knew what we had to do.

This was our fourteenth full quarter and together we raised £36.66.

Last time I donated to St Luke’s Hospice, an organisation that provides free end of life care in Plymouth, SW Devon & East Cornwall. St Luke’s has to raise £4.5 million year with 86p of every £1 that is donated going to patient care. St Luke's helped the family of a friend of ours earlier this year and he set out last month to trek 26.2 miles along Offa's Dyke, the ancient wall that once separated Wales and England. You can find out more by visiting his walking team's Just Giving page.

As I say, this time I'm making a donation to the United Nations System Response to the Ebola Outbreak. This trust was set up to unite efforts of the UN to stop the outbreak, treat the infected, ensure continuity within affected countries and prevent outbreaks in countries currently unaffected.  Our contribution will provide vital support to the United Nations as it works to halt the Ebola outbreak in West Africa and treat the thousands of people who have been infected with Ebola virus disease. Thanks to our contribution, the World Health Organization will be able to procure vital supplies, such as personal protective equipment and chlorine, as well as provide crucial technical assistance to the governments of Ebola-affected countries.

I won't grandstand or lecture you as to why this is important, other than to say this is something the rest of the world should have done something to help with far sooner.

The trust accepts donation is US Dollars, so I've converted the £36.66 and rounded it up to $60.00. If you'd like to make a donation yourself, you can do so here.

The next carrier bag donation should be in early January. If you have a charity you'd like Proud Lion to support, please email me at shop@proudlion.co.uk.

Carrier bags and charity - St Luke’s Hospice

by Ben Fardon

Hi folks,

We're over half way through the financial quarter, but I've only just had chance to make our latest charitable donation from the last quarter's carrier bag proceeds.

This was our thirteenth full quarter and together we raised £29.45!

Last time I donated to Maggie's, an organisation that provides free practical, emotional and social support to people with cancer and their family and friends, on behalf of local resident Reg Lee. Reg survived testicular cancer and was helped by the Maggie's centre here in Cheltenham. He's been fundraising this year to raise money for Maggie's. You can find out more about his undertakings on his Virgin Money Giving page.

This time, I'm making a donation to St Luke’s Hospice. St Luke's provides free end of life care in Plymouth, SW Devon & East Cornwall. St Luke’s has to raise £4.5 million year with 86p of every £1 that is donated going to patient care. Earlier this year, St Luke's helped to care for and support the family member of our dear friend and blog contributor Chris Boyle. Chris became determined to do something proactive to help them in return. Next month, he'll set out to trek 26.2 miles in a day along Offa's Dyke, the ancient wall that once separated Wales and England. You can find out more by visiting his walking team's Just Giving page.

The next carrier bag donation should be in early October. If you have a charity you'd like Proud Lion to support, please email me at shop@proudlion.co.uk.

Carrier bags and charity - Maggie's

Hi folks,

It's been a few weeks since the end of the last financial quarter (and the last financial year), and it was of course also the end of the latest period of collecting money for charity from our sales of carrier bags. I haven't forgotten despite all the recent chaos of moving premises, etc!

This was our twelfth full quarter and together we raised £29.45!

Last time I donated to Cancer Research UK on behalf of a friend, Joe Kelly, who opted to forgo any birthday presents from friends this year, instead asking them to make a small donation to the charity instead. A few months later it sadly became very clear why Joe had made that decision, as someone very important to him and his work colleagues sadly passed away. My heartfelt condolences to everyone at Keith Holland & Associates.

This time, I'm making a donation to Maggie's, an organisation that provides free practical, emotional and social support to people with cancer and their family and friends. I'm doing on behalf of local resident Reg Lee, whom I met soon after opening at the new premises at 8 St George's Place. Reg has just recovered from having testicular cancer and was helped by the Maggie's centre here in Cheltenham. He's doing the Cheltenham Circular Challenge 10k this year to raise money for Maggie's. You can find out more about his undertaking on his Virgin Money Giving page.

The next carrier bag donation will be in early July. If you have a charity you'd like Proud Lion to support, please email me at shop@proudlion.co.uk.

Carrier bags and charity - Cancer Research UK

Hi folks,

Last week marked not only the end of the current financial quarter (and the calendar year) but also the end of the latest period of collecting money for charity from our sales of carrier bags.

Over the course of the past quarter, I managed to source our carrier bags from our existing supplier, but at a lower price point. The point of charging for carrier bags was simply to cover our costs and encourage our customers to reuse/recycle the carrier bags they use; it was never about trying to turn a profit, hence once we've covered the VAT and the cost price, the rest builds up to make our quarterly charitable contribution. Since the cost price is now lower, our charitable contribution will be proportionately higher, which is great news! 

This is our eleventh full quarter and together we raised £23.23!

Last time I donated to comic writer Steve Niles and his family who had a personal disaster in the wake of freak flooding in Texas and the horrid discovery that their insurance wouldn't cover them.

This time, I'm making a donation to Cancer Research UK on behalf of a friend, Joe Kelly, who has opted to forgo any birthday presents from friends this year, instead asking them to make a small donation to the charity instead. I've already made a personal donation and now it's my great privilege to add a little extra to that pot. An accomplished musician (and member of the wonderful band Welcome Back Delta), some of you will remember Joe played an acoustic solo set at Free Comic Book Day here back in 2012.

The next carrier bag donation will be in early April. If you have a charity you'd like Proud Lion to support, please email me at shop@proudlion.co.uk.

Carrier bags and charity - HelpSteveNiles@gmail.com

Hi folks,

The week before last (I'm a little late with it this time!) marked the end of the current financial quarter which means it's the end of the latest period of collecting money for charity from our sales of carrier bags.

This is our tenth full quarter and together we raised £11.01!

Last time I supported Charlie (from Judder) with her cycling challenge to raise money for Mind, the mental health charity. This time, I wasn't quite sure what or who to support. Then came word of the sudden flooding in Austin, Texas and the sad news that the waters have seriously affected comic writer Steve Niles and his family.

The lovely Mike Mignola posted this on his Facebook page:

The Niles have no flood insurance. They live in Texas! Why would they?! This is a horrible, freak occurrence. In the comic industry, our beloved creators are often the ones who get the short end of the stick, which is why I've been proud to support the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund but this is an occasion where I can directly help a creator in need. Steve Niles most notable work was the wonderful 30 Days Of Night, the first volume of which is still one of the finest horror comics ever and introduced many of us to the art of Ben Templesmith.

So I'm donating the £11.01 we raised via PayPal to HelpSteveNiles@gmail.com. I hope some of you, can find a little spare change and add your support. Many thanks.  

The next carrier bag donation will be in the New Year. If you have a charity you'd like Proud Lion to support, please email me at shop@proudlion.co.uk.

Carrier bags and charity - Charlie's recovery cycle for MIND

Hi folks,

Last week marked not only the end of the current financial quarter (and the financial year) but also the end of the latest period of collecting money for charity from our sales of carrier bags.

This is our ninth full quarter and together we raised £8.32!

Last time I supported Red Nose Day. This time, I've supported a good friend of the store, whom many of you will know, Charlie from Judder! Charlie is undertaking a cycling challenge to raise money for Mind, the mental health charity. It's a fantastic and personal challenge, and a cause that needs more support and less stigma.

The next carrier bag donation will be in early October. If you have a charity you'd like Proud Lion to support, please email me at shop@proudlion.co.uk.

Carrier bags and charity - Red Nose Day

Hi folks,

Last week marked not only the end of the current financial quarter (and the financial year) but also the end of the latest period of collecting money for charity from our sales of carrier bags.

This is our eighth full quarter and together we raised £10.42!

Last time I supported the Alzheimer's Society in memory of Gerry Anderson, who sadly passed away in December, and other friends and family who have lost loved ones to this heartbreaking illness.

This time, I've supported Red Nose Day, for all the laughter they've brought us over the years and all the sterling work they do both here and overseas.

The next carrier bag donation will be in early July. If you have a charity you'd like Proud Lion to support, please email me at shop@proudlion.co.uk.

Carrier bags and charity - Alzheimer's Society

Hi folks,

Last week marked not only the end of the current financial quarter but also the end of the latest period of collecting money for charity from our sales of carrier bags.

This is our seventh full quarter and together we raised £11.56!

Last time I supported one of our customers - Matthew Dodwell - who ran the Bristol Half Marathon  yesterday to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, in honour of a close friend's young daughter who is a sufferer.

This time, I've supported the Alzheimer's Society in memory of Gerry Anderson, who sadly passed away in December, and other friends and family who have lost loved ones to this heartbreaking illness. If you'd like to make a donation of your own, their sponsorship page can be found here. More information about the Alzheimer's Society can be found on their website.

The next carrier bag donation will be in early April as we move into the new financial year. If you have a charity you'd like Proud Lion to support, please email me at shop@proudlion.co.uk.

Carrier bags and charity - The Cystic Fibrosis Trust

Hi folks,

Last night marked not only the end of the current financial quarter and the end of the latest period of collecting money for charity from our sales of carrier bags.

This is our sixth full quarter and together we raised £8.87!

Last time I supported one of our suppliers - Frank Hanford from Esdevium Games Ltd - who was raising money for The Toy Trust which raises money for disadvantaged children.

This time, I've supported one of our customers - Matthew Dodwell - who ran the Bristol Half Marathon  yesterday to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, in honour of a close friend's young daughter who is a sufferer. If you'd like to make a donation of your own, their sponsorship page can be found here. More information about The Cystic Fibrosis Trust can be found on their website.

The next carrier bag donation will be in New Year. If you have a charity you'd like Proud Lion to support, please email me at shop@proudlion.co.uk.

Carrier bags and charity - The Toy Trust

Hi folks,

Last month marked not only the end of the current financial quarter and the end of the latest period of collecting money for charity from our sales of carrier bags.

This is our fifth full quarter and together we raised £10.40!

Last time I made a donation to The Samaritans in the memory of the tragic death of Claire Squires during the London Marathon.

This time, I've donated to one of our suppliers - Frank Hanford from Esdevium Games Ltd - who is raising money for The Toy Trust which raises money for disadvantaged children. If you'd like to make a donation of your own, Frank's fundraising page can be found here. More information about The Toy Trust can be found here.

The next carrier bag donation will be in Autumn. If you have a charity you'd like Proud Lion to support, please email me at shop@proudlion.co.uk.

Carrier bags and charity - Claire Squires for The Samaritans

Hi folks,

Last month marked not only the end of the finanical year, but also the end of the current financial quarter and the end of the latest period of collecting money for charity from our sales of carrier bags.

This is our fourth full quarter and together we raised £9.20!

Last time I made a donation to Shelter. This time, following all the media coverage of the tragic death of Claire Squires during the London Marathon, I've donated it to her JustGiving page. She was raising money for The Samaritans when she collapsed near the end of the course, and could not be revived. My thoughts are with her family.

The Samaritans are very dear to me. They offer a friendly ear when it can feel like no one else will. A few years ago, after my Mum had passed away, I had a burning desire to do "something" and I volunteered for The Samaritans here in Cheltenham. At the end of an initial interview, the two people from the charity kindly but firmly told me I was welcome to reapply in future years, but I simply wasn't ready at this time. It was the correct decision and I'm very grateful to them for that.

Anyway, thanks everyone. For more about Claire, please Google her story. I found Russell Howard's coverage on Good New very moving.

The next carrier bag donation will be mid-summer. If you have a charity you'd like Proud Lion to support, please email me at shop@proudlion.co.uk.

Carrier bags and charity - Shelter

Hi folks,

Last week marked not only the end of the calendar year, but also the end of the current financial quarter and the end of the latest period of collecting money for charity from our sales of carrier bags.

This is our third full quarter and together we raised £10.31!

Last time I made a donation to Cancer Research UK. This time, I'm making a donation to Shelter.

Thanks everyone. The next carrier bag donation will be just before Easter. If you have a charity you'd like Proud Lion to support, please email me at shop@proudlion.co.uk.

Carrier bags and charity - Cancer Research UK

Hi folks,

Last week marked the end of the current financial quarter and the end of the third period of collecting money for charity from our sales of carrier bags.

This is our second full quarter and together we raised £9.72!

Last time I made a donation to Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. This time, to mark the passing of Steve Jobs this week, and the struggle numerous friends and family have made (and sadly, some have lost) against cancer, I'm making a donation to Cancer Research UK.

Thanks everyone. The next carrier bag donation will be in the New Year. If you have a charity you'd like Proud Lion to support, please email me at shop@proudlion.co.uk.

Carrier bags and charity - Comic Book Legal Defense Fund

Hi folks,

Last week marked the end of the current financial quarter and the end of the second period of collecting money for charity from our sales of carrier bags.

This is our first full quarter and together we raised £8.15!

Last time I made a donation to Shelter in support of Paul Cornell's Beard For Lent. This time I'm making a donation to the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. Created in 1986, the CBLDF is a United States non-profit organisation dedicated to the protection of the First Amendment rights of the comics art form and its community of retailers, creators, publishers, librarians, and readers.

You can find out more about the CBDLF at their website. Neil Gaiman is a supporter of their work and he talks about his involvement in this interview.

Thanks everyone. The next carrier bag donation will be after the end of September. If you have a charity you'd like Proud Lion to support, please email me at shop@proudlion.co.uk.

Carrier bags and charity - Beard for Lent (for Shelter)

Hi folks,

Last week marked the end of the current financial quarter and the end of the first period of collecting money for charity from our sales of carrier bags.

As this was only started in February, it's not a full quarter but we have raised £4.28.

I've decided to donate this to the fundraising efforts of writer Paul Cornell (Action Comics, Captain Britain & MI:13, Doctor Who, Knight & Squire, etc)

Many of you will remember that Paul was kind enough to cut the ribbon here during the Grand Opening back on Free Comic Book Day 2008.

Recently Paul has been growing a Beard for Lent and quite a mighty specimen it has become. He's been busily raising money for Shelter and all donations are gratefully received! If you would like to know more, here's a list of his blog entries on the matter thus far.

If you can spare the time and the pennies, please do make a contribution. It all helps!

Thanks everyone. The next carrier bag donation will be after the end of June. If you have a charity you'd like Proud Lion to support, please email me at shop@proudlion.co.uk

Proud Lion will now charge for carrier bags

Hi everyone. With effect from today, Proud Lion will now be charging for plastic carrier bags.

This has been a long time coming. The rising cost of oil has lead to plastic carrier bags being more expensive, which in turn has meant I finally need to introduce this charge. Many of you remember to bring environmentally friendly bags or reuse carrier bags from previous trips, so I trust this will not be a massive problem for most of you.

The cost will be 10 pence per bag.

Currently a plastic carrier bag (averaged between the standard bags and the larger ones we have for board games and large toys) costs Proud Lion £0.076 including VAT.

The 10p charge covers this, with a little extra. From now, at the end of each financial quarter, I will calculate the extra money made from this charge and make a donation to a worthwhile charity.

It is my strong intention that Proud Lion will not profit from this move. I simply wish to cover our costs and encourage you all to consider the impact of plastic carrier bags upon our environment.

It is true that we also offer free plastic comic bags with every comic you buy from us. For now, this will remain free of charge. As a comic book collector myself, I strongly believe that it is important that my customers receive a near-mint copy whenever possible. This is a separate issue and I will treat it as such.

Many thanks for all your continued support.