What Is ChariTEA?
We choose a new ChariTEA (Charity - see what we did there!) every quarter which is close to our hearts. The ChariTEA is nominated by one of our Teabirds, they then choose a tea blend that reflects them or what they support and we donate the profits of the blend to their wonderful cause!
This quarter (Oct-Dec 2023) our chosen ChariTEA is 'Rays of Sunshine' - a charity focused on brightening the lives of children who are living with serious illnesses between the ages of 3-18, across the United Kingdom. They were nominated by Georgina, our Partnerships Manager. She said ‘I thought that their mission aligned with ours, to spread happiness & also think the work that they do is fantastic.’
A Little Bit About Rays Of Sunshine
Rays of Sunshine brightens the lives of seriously ill children by granting wishes and providing ongoing support within hospitals. Did you know there are over 85,000 children and young people living in the UK with a life-threatening or life-limiting illness?*
Rays of Sunshine grants magical wishes to children whose lives evolve around doctor’s appointments; hospital stays and treatment instead of school and time with family and friends. They can feel isolated from their peers and forgotten about.
Having a wish granted gives the child and their family something positive to focus on, something to look forward to, and helps build confidence back when they need it the most. A wish means children get a moment to think about nothing else in the world but their happiness. It’s a chance to spread some sunshine (and a little bit of magic!) for young people, helping them to forget about hospital visits and treatment.
Our work creates a positive distraction, reduces isolation, improves self-esteem and creates precious memories and smiles. Since 2003, we have granted more than 8,000 wonderful wishes.
What Support Do Rays Of Sunshine Offer?
Granting Magical Wishes
The wishes we grant are as unique as the children themselves and whether a child wants to be a princess for a day, meet their favourite celebrity or even a 'real-life' mermaid, or the Loch Ness Monster, Rays of Sunshine works hard to make that come true.
Meet Khaliq
“This is the greatest day of my life!”
Aspiring firefighter Khaliq had his wish to be a firefighter for a day granted. He was able to ride in the fire truck, wear his own uniform, and even have a go at using the crane!
After being diagnosed with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), a rare form of cancer and spending a lot of time in hospital to treat his illness, Khaliq’s family were over the moon to see him so excited while on his wish.
Hear from two of our magical Wish Granters letting you in on the favourite wishes they’ve granted so far:
How Can You Help?
The easiest way to support is to buy Enchanted Narnia tea or donate some of your cuppa at the checkout but there are lots of other things you can do to help Rays of Sunshine out.
You can help spread the sunshine by sharing posts on social media, donating to help grant more magical wishes or take on a challenge.
To find out more and how to get involved click here.
Upcoming Activities
8th November 2023:
Rays Of Sunshine will be taking over our Bird & Blend Instagram account, where you will be able to learn more about the work that they do! Keep your eyes peeled!
22nd October 2023:
Confidence Event - an event designed around boosting the confidence of teenagers and Bird & Blend will be running a magical tea mocktail station!
Location: OXO2, OXO Tower, Wharf Barge, House Street, Level Two, London, SE1 9PH
Timings: 11am - 3pm
Age range: 12-18 year olds
For more specific details click here!
For more information about the charity go to: https://raysofsunshine.org.uk/
To get more magic in your social media feed follow Rays of Sunshine:
- Twitter/X: @Raysofsunshine
- Facebook: Rays of Sunshine Children’s Charity
- Instagram/Threads: @raysofsunshinecc
- LinkedIn: Rays of Sunshine Children’s Charity
*Make Every Child Count Study, University of York, 2018
