MOST of us like to feel we’re getting a good deal or bargain when we go shopping. Whether we go to the supermarket or the High Street, we like to think that we are saving money through deals or getting the maximum number of points on our store clubcard or advantage card.

But how many of us are aware that many of Worcester’s shops give a proportion of the money we spend to worthy causes?

A large number of Worcester businesses, ranging from clothes shops to hairdressers, give money to charities, both local and national, thanks to fund-raising events and regular donations from customers.

White Stuff in Cathedral Plaza regularly holds fund-raising events such as cake sales and raffles at the store to support charities in the city.

This year, the shop is supporting the Noah’s Ark Trust and hopes to emulate their amazing success after raising about £10,000 for their previous charity partner St Richard’s Hospice.

Their biggest fund-raising event will be a national affair – Wear A Tea Cosy On Your Head Day! on Thursday, September 22 – which last year raised £26,000 nationally.

Worcester has an individual shop target of £150 and during the day Noah’s Ark Trust will be visiting the shop to talk to customers about the work they do.

The shop has already started gathering sponsorship money and staff members are planning to host their own chari-tea parties.

Every season the store has a different theme – this year’s it is Bringing Happy Back – where the window displays are filled with nostalgic toys. At the end of the season these toys will be auctioned off in a silent auction. The proceeds will go to the trust.

Kate Semczyszyn, shop manager of White Stuff, Worcester, said: “We are all very excited to be working with Noah’s Ark and to be supporting such a worthy cause.

We hope to raise some muchneeded funds and to make a real difference to the lives of bereaved children and young people throughout Worcestershire.”

Toy shop The Entertainer, also in CrownGate, has joined forces with The Pennies Foundation nationwide to launch Pennies, an electronic charity box on shop tills.

The scheme allows customers to round-up their purchase to the nearest pound when they pay by card, with all the extra money raised going to charity.

So far 600,000 consumer donations have been received through Pennies, raising £140,000 for a total of 18 UK charities.

The majority of the money raised by The Entertainer will be shared equally between four children’s hospitals – Alder Hey Imagine Appeal, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal, which fund-raises for Bristol Children’s Hospital, and Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. The remainder will be divided between 10 other registered charities covering a range of causes including the elderly, cancer support and arts and education.

Gary Grant, managing director of The Entertainer, said: “Our trial in four stores raised more than £150 in its launch week, annualised, across all our stores, this could raise about £100,000. That’s just outstanding and we are grateful and amazed by the acceptance and generosity of our customers.”

Umberto Giannini hair salon, Pump Street, Worcester, has raised money for Leukaemia CARE and St Richard’s Hospice through fashion shows or assisting with hair makeovers for patients recovering from serious illness, via the charities which support them.

Owner and artistic director Shirley Thornhill said: “We are always looking for ways to support local charities.

“Our business as hairdressers is so personal. We speak and listen to clients and sometimes hear about situations and stories relating to them, their friends and family who need the support of local charities, and we want to therefore support them and support these local causes. In whatever way we can, we always want to help. It’s about supporting the community of which we are part.”

FASHION SHOW TO RAISE FUNDS FOR HOSPICE

DEPARTMENT store House of Fraser has supported many local charities through events such as fashion shows.

Today, the store is inviting customers to mark the first anniversary of its BIBA brand re-launch at a glamourous fashion show, between 6pm-8pm, to raise money for St Richard’s Hospice.

The iconic 60s fashion brand has become House of Fraser’s biggest selling brand in its first year and to celebrate the store will showcase the BIBA autumn/winter 2011 collection.

Guests will be able to buy raffle tickets with prizes including beauty treatments and other luxury goodies. All proceeds will go to St Richard’s.

Store manager Maggie Huckfield said: “Following a very successful first year with BIBA, we wanted to celebrate with our customers.

That’s why we’ve put on this fabulous event which showcases our autumn and winter collection and the future of the BIBA brand.

We’re also pleased to support a local charity in St Richard’s Hospice, which provides a valuable service for our community.”

To download your invitation to the event visit, houseoffraser.co.uk /bibaevent.