31/10/2011
Unaware shoppers at Dobbies Garden World, Ashford were pleasantly shocked to be witness to a charity flashmob choir bursting into song in the middle of the store in aid of The Caldecott Foundation children’s charity.
The song ‘I’m Walking On Sunshine’ by Katrina and the Waves was pumped through the store’s PA system rousing an 80-strong choir, who were previously mingling incognito in the crowds; to a crescendo of voices resonating through the store.
Amazed shoppers watched the flashmob unfold during the three minute song in which the members of the local ‘Ashford Sings’ community choir sang their way to the restaurant to join together for the final verses of the song.
Samantha Scott, Fundraising Manager from The Caldecott Foundation explains the background of the entertainment stunt;
“The Caldecott Foundation is 100 years old this year and we are fundraising £750,000 for a vocational training unit to help the older children in our care learn vocational skills. It is increasingly challenging for charities to raise their profiles in the current climate, so when one of our social workers came up with the choir flashmob idea, we thought it would be perfect to entertain an unaware public and leave them with a positive long-lasting feeling of the Caldecott Foundation. We are also thankful to all the staff at Dobbies who worked hard to support and encourage something quite out of the ordinary.
Paula Tyrell, Events Co-ordinator and Community Champion for Dobbies said “We were delighted to host such an innovative and exciting event. Our customers were intrigued to know what was happening and their reaction when the choir came together was wonderful.”
The choir who produced the impressive performance was Ashford Sings, headed up by Chris and Nic Kimmance from Shaddoxhurst. Chris said, “We were only too happy to help such an excellent local charity and we loved the idea of doing a flashmob. There was a real buzz among our members as the time approached. It was brilliant fun.”
Visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g73OriPU-xQ for the official video.
-End-
Notes to Editors:
A flashmob is a group of people who assemble suddenly in a public place to perform an unusual act for a brief time for the purpose of entertainment, satire or artistic expression.
The Caldecott Foundation, based at Smeeth, near Ashford, provides residential care for children aged 5-16 in warm and welcoming homes, with primary and secondary education in the Foundation’s own school and therapies to maximise each individual’s life chances.
The Caldecott Foundation cares for the most vulnerable children in the UK who have suffered cruelty and neglect. It helps children build brighter futures and in 2011 celebrates its Centenary. To mark this special year, they have launched a Centenary Appeal. During 2011, they are aiming to raise £750,000 for projects such as a vocational training unit to help the older children in their care learn skills such as car mechanics, hair and beauty and horticulture. By developing this provision they will arm these young people with the qualifications and confidence they need to succeed.
Press Contact:
Jo Hage or Jodi Eeles– Pillory Barn Creative – .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) 01622 600123
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