Each year, PETT (Prism Empowering Through Technology) marks the festive season with a charity fund raising event, and in 2023 we again invited clients, suppliers, friends, and business associates to our Mince Pie & Mingle to help a local good cause and support those less fortunate than ourselves. 

Mingle 2023 focused on Congleton’s New Life Church food bank, otherwise known as The Storehouse, and took place on Thursday 14th December at Congleton Lawn Tennis Club.? 

The Storehouse is a much-needed institution, which might seem surprising considering we are in a relatively affluent area of Cheshire. However, during their 13-year existence, this foodbank alone has supported over 31,000 local people in need. 

This year, the Mingle raised money from ticket sales, a raffle on the day, plus donations given by Prism staff at their office Christmas jumper day. The grand total raised by PETT for The Storehouse, came to £1,241.28. 

Lynnsey Miles and Joanna Critchton from the New Life Church spoke at the event, explaining to the audience the tremendous work undertake by The Storehouse, its staff and volunteers, and how it affects the community, and also about the continuing and growing need for the support The Storehouse provides to local families.  

The event was well attended and saw guests enjoying mince pies, mulled wine, and other seasonal treats against a background of Xmas tunes, whilst Mingling and hearing first-hand about the great work carried out at the New Life Church. 

Speaking after the event, Jo and Lynnsey said: 

“It is only through the ongoing care and support of individuals, organisations, business groups etc. that we can offer the practical support that we do for people in crisis or at their point of need.? Thank you again and again for the support you give. It is very encouraging to know that our community works together with such care, and we acknowledge each volunteer, cheerleader, donor and staff member who all play a vital part in serving, and as a church centre thank God for such a great community. 

The mince pie and mingle last Thursday was a wonderful opportunity to share information in an informal setting, with the warmth of food and drink to share and opportunity for questions to be asked.? It is events like these that strengthen our community by looking outside the four walls of the workplace and together look to the common good of all who live here. Very worthwhile on many levels and very enjoyable. Thank you for including us and bringing people together to support this.” 

Thanks also to Prism’s staff for helping out and making sure the Mingle was as successful as possible.?The extra effort was greatly appreciated at what is an exceptionally busy time for many. 

If you would like to know more about PETT please click here or The Storehouse please click here.