Hammersmith Business Improvement District’s ground-breaking initiative Small tap, big change was launched in October 2020 to combat challenges associated with homelessness across the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. It encourages fixed donations of £2 per tap, with donations being collected via contactless devices in shops, restaurants, pubs or offices across Hammersmith. Additional donations of any value can be made online.
On Tuesday 21st September, Hammersmith BID ran an Afternoon Chari-Tea Fundraising charity event which was held in Lyric Square. Hosted by 10 Hammersmith Grove, contributions to the Afternoon Tea were made by local suppliers, such as Belushi’s, IF Panzerotto & Co, and Big Fat Greek Baking by Paris. Guests donated between £10 – £15 each and were entertained with live music and stand-up comedy. There was also an online raffle charity fundraiser. Raffle donations were made by local businesses and artisans, including Specsavers Hammersmith who donated a pair of designer Super Dry sunglasses, valued at £129.
Hammersmith BID were delighted with the afternoon and announced a total of almost £700 had been raised from the Afternoon Tea event alone.
The charities who will benefit from the fund-raising initiative include The Barons Court Project who offer day centre care for those people living with mental health issues and those who are homeless in the borough. St Andrew’s Church Fulham Fields Homeless Project offers all year round food bank, pastoral care and support to those people in Fulham. The Upper Room established for over 30 years, provides homeless and vulnerable people with key life skills and support to improve their lives. Glass Door partners with churches to provide shelter and support as they don’t believe anyone should be sleeping rough on the streets of London.
Luisa Martinez, Community Engagement & CSR Manager, Hammersmith & Fulham BID said; ‘We are absolutely delighted with the enormous support and donations received from local residents, artisans, workers and businesses across the Borough. I would like to extend my thanks to Specsavers Hammersmith for the donation of the designer Super Dry sunglasses for the online charity raffle. Our local charities will be delighted that they can use the funds raised to help provide additional support to their residents and the homeless within their communities.’
Onkar Singh Khambay, Specsavers Hammersmith ophthalmic director, commented; ‘We are delighted to support this worthy initiative. The local business community is very supportive, and tight knit, so it’s great to see everyone coming together to help these local charities across the Borough.’
Specsavers Hammersmith remain open for eye and hearing tests. For non-urgent enquires there is the ‘Ask The Expert’ Facebook page which helps with any eye strain resulting in headaches, eye twitches and migraines that people may be suffering. ‘Ask The Expert’ is an innovative service, manned by optometrists who can answer questions relating to everyday eye care or recommend booking an appointment as necessary.
