A raffle for a Bolton charity has grown into a free showcase event of Horwich businesses with attractions for all the family. And on Wednesday, October 30 at The Bridge Hotel this wealth of local businesses will be there to raise much-needed funds for Fortalice – Bolton’s refuge and outreach support centre for women, girls and children escaping domestic abuse. It all started with local woman Donna Powell two years ago when she decided to run a raffle, mainly through social media, for the charity.
Donna Powell She enlisted the help of friends and family and asked Horwich firms to chip in with raffle prizes. This resulted in 17 people gathering for the raffle draw in Donna’s tiny front room and a useful donation for Fortalice. This year, when she asked the manager of The Bridge Hotel, Danny Fishwick, if she could use a room in the pub for the raffle draw with a couple of local businesses present, he suggested she take over the whole pub.
“My initial thought was ‘how on earth can I do that? It’s just me’ - but then my mind began to run wild,” explained Donna. “I agreed to do my best and keep in touch and, after visits to lots of local companies outlining my idea, nearly everyone agreed to take part.” READ MORE: Horwich town centre business urge residents to shop local Lord Sugar's son's business builds on success at Logistics North The result is that on October 30, from 6pm to 9pm there will be all kinds of local businesses with stalls, showcasing their wares.
