How a token gesture by Exeter John Lewis shoppers can help families affected by suicide

John Lewis shoppers in Exeter can hand a huge boost to a cause helping hundreds of suicide bereaved families across Devon. 

Pete’s Dragons has been selected as a beneficiary of the Sidwell Street department store’s Community Matters scheme. 

The initiative sees a trio of charities nominated to benefit from an overall fund of £3,000 every three months. 
Customers vote for their preferred cause by placing a green token into boxes located around the store. 

Funding is then handed out proportionately based on how many votes each charity has received. 

Exmouth-based Pete’s Dragons, which provides bespoke support to anyone affected by suicide, is one of the charities shoppers can vote for until the end of April. 

Kate Bedding, project manager at the charity, said: “The generosity of John Lewis customers will enable us to continue the essential work we are doing across Devon supporting those who have been bereaved by suicide. 

“This money will help continue to fund services that would not otherwise be available to many of our beneficiaries. This includes counselling, children and family fun days and wellbeing sessions.” 

To find out more about Pete’s Dragons, visit petesdragons.org.uk.