On Tuesday 11th April, the East Midlands business community came together for a networking event with a twist at The Warehouse charity shop by St Barnabas.
The monthly KuKu Connect network gathers business professionals from Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire and beyond, and April’s event saw over 60 people gather at The Warehouse in Lincoln.
With over 5,000 square feet of shopping space and thousands of items to browse and purchase to support the hospice charity further, The Warehouse was an unusual location for the KuKu Connect Reception which normally takes place in more traditional networking venues.
Upon invitation, KuKu Connect members were asked to bring along some donations for The Warehouse, with some great items being donated; from clothes, shoes and accessories to books, homeware and more.
Guests received a complimentary glass of the Ruby Gin or Ruby Rum, both created by Pin Gin in celebration of St Barnabas’ 40th anniversary.
A non-alcoholic option was available in the form of the Ruby Coffee by The Lincoln Tea & Coffee Company. All these delicious drinks can be purchased in St Barnabas’ online shop with the profits donated to the charity: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/shop/onlineshop/
Stephen Goddard and Philip Brooks-Stephenson, founders of KuKu Connect say: “Our members had a brilliant time at The Warehouse tonight, many also had a good look around and with so much on offer, there really is something for everyone!
“We are pleased to offer St Barnabas a complimentary one-year membership as the only Lincolnshire-based charity in the group. We look forward to working together and I’m sure they can count on the ongoing support of the many businesses within our organisation.”
St Barnabas provides free, compassionate, and dignified care to adults living with a life-limiting or terminal illness, as well as much needed support for families and carers. The Hospice supports over 12,000 people each year, providing their many care and support services in hospice buildings and Wellbeing Centres, as well as in people’s homes across Lincolnshire.
Caroline Swindin, Fundraising Development Manager, comments: “It’s been a pleasure to host such a well-known networking event that spans several counties and reaches so many communities.
“We’ve had great conversations with guests about the care we deliver across the county, and we hope they have gained information that may help them, a family member or friend who could benefit from our services.
“A huge thank you to Stephen and Philip for choosing us. I’d love to see tonight’s guests again to discuss how they can support us further over a coffee and a chat so please do get in touch with me. We look forward to the next KuKu Connect Reception, where we’ll of course be in attendance!”
To find out more information about St Barnabas, its services and how to support the cause, please visit: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/
All photography by David Harrison