Telford retailer supports local canal trust
Despite the tough economic climate, a Telford retailer and her customers have raised thousands of pounds for good causes in the local community during 2024.
The latest charity to benefit from the fundraising activities of Councillor Julie Kaur and Jules Convenience customers is the Shrewsbury and Newport Canals Trust (SNCT).
A total of £2,262 was handed over to Chair, Bernie Jones and Treasurer John Snell after Julie visited Wappenshall Wharf to see how a team of volunteers have restored a Grade II listed building and rewatered the canal basin.
She said: “I was fascinated to learn that just three miles from our shop was a site of historical importance which volunteers are actively bringing back to life and intend to open a café, visitor centre and community meeting place.
“After hearing the story of Wappenshall Wharf I decided to raise some much-needed funds to help the project because it’s important to project our heritage and the surrounding environment for future generations.”
Bernie said: “We are always grateful to accept individual donations and want to thank Julie and her customers for raising this amount of money to support this key project. We are on track to have the café open and to welcome visitors by spring 2025.
“Other sites we are actively restoring or maintaining along the old canal route include Newport, Berwick near Attingham Park and Rodington. We are always looking for new volunteers to help with clearing towpaths and repairing structures, it’s a great way to meet new people and to learn new skills.”
Julie is a keen runner and this year, through sponsorship, she has raised £1,000 for Severn Hospice, £2,000 for Teenage Cancer Trust, £600 for Macmillan Cancer Support and £6,000 for Age UK. She also supports her local community including monthly cakes for a men's mental health group, Christmas gifts for disadvantaged students, kit for a women’s football team and travel costs for an athlete.
Her next fundraising event is a Christmas Fair on Friday 20th December with the Ironbridge & Severn Gorge Lions Club. This annual event ensures 120 families have a more enjoyable Christmas with gift bags for local children. A raffle, tombola and gift stall will help raise funds for Cancer Research UK and Age UK Shropshire and Telford.
Julie has won multiple awards for her community activities in store and as a businesswoman. This year she was elected as a parish councillor and recently won the Labour seat as a Borough councillor in the Hadley and Leegomery bi-election.
