Charities message better than cards, says Scrivens

Optical and hearing care company Scrivens came up with a novel idea to raise money for charity by saving on buying and sending Christmas cards for 2003. Half the £5,000 has gone to Cancer Research UK and the other half to Sense, the charity which supports those with hearing and sight difficulties. Marketing director Andrea Callaway said: 'Every year we spend a fortune on Christmas cards, which are soon thrown away and forgotten. This year we decided to put the money towards good causes instead. We chose Cancer Research because our former chairman lost a battle with stomach cancer and Sense because we are an optical and hearing care business.' The Sense cheque presentation took place at The Garden Room in Oldbury, a Sense project which helps deafblind people to make garden furniture and pottery. Sense service manager Josie Bell (pictured above left with Callaway) said: 'We are thrilled that Scrivens has chosen to support this very important venture. By donating the money Scrivens has made a lasting difference to deafblind people across the West Midlands.'