Hedge stall 'making and baking' profits for charity

Thursday 02 September 2021

Black Vanilla is inviting local growers, makers and bakers to sell their goods for charity on a new hedge veg stall outside the company's Grange offices.

It’s up to the seller to choose their charity and what proportion of sales will be donated.

The hedge stall is being connected by JT Guernsey, who have donated a phone with SIM card and data to enable a card payment machine.

In true Guernsey hedge stall style, there will be a cash box option as well.

BV came up with the idea when considering their own CSR plans. "We talked about supporting a charity annually, but soon realised that we all wanted to support different charities for very personal reasons," said Black Vanilla Director Nichole Culverwell.

The first charity to benefit from 100 per cent of the proceeds from the hedge stall was JT’s charity of the year, Guernsey Cancer Support, yesterday.

We’ve nearly sold out - a few cakes left today but thanks to @JTsocial we’ve got more coming! All proceeds to Guernsey Cancer Support #BVimpact pic.twitter.com/kVEYw9FmJw

— Nichole Culverwell (@MrsCulverwell) September 1, 2021

She continued: “We are lucky to have a prime position here in St Peter Port with high footfall each day. With thanks to JT, we are now able to easily support local charities and businesses; all we ask is that the seller donates a portion of their profits to a chosen charity.” 

Tamara O’Brien, Deputy Managing Director of JT Guernsey, said: "Hedge stalls have been a Guernsey community tradition for decades, it’s an amazing way to explore the great variety of fresh, seasonal local produce straight from the island's roadside honesty boxes.

“Buying local produce and handmade goods not only reduces ‘food miles’, packaging materials and waste, but this unique stall will also help so many local charities, so for us this small venture is part of a much bigger picture, and we’re happy to play our part."

The agency will rotate sellers and charities, offering them the chance to sell on a single day or longer. 

“We already have a number of sellers lined up, with products including hand-made candles, home-baked cupcakes and bath bombs, and we welcome anyone who wants to support a charity in this way to get in touch," said Mrs Culverwell.

Growers, makers and bakers interested in getting involved should contact the Black Vanilla team. Please email chloe.price@black-vanilla.gg