The winner of the Produced in Kent Christmas Kindness competition has generously shared her prize with a local hospice in Northfleet time for Christmas.

Trade organisation Produced in Kent has been inviting Kent residents to support their local businesses and spread happiness with a Christmas Kindness competition. The competition, which had more than 700 entries, involved purchasing from a participating shop for the chance to be entered into a prize draw for 2 enormous festive hampers, one for the winner and one for a friend.

Selected at random, the lucky winner is Sara Boobbyer from Culverstone near Meopham, she takes home a hamper filled with festive goodies worth over £500 and she has nominated the staff at Ellenor Hospice in Northfleet to receive the second hamper.

Sara says “I feel very lucky to win such a lovely gift and the pleasure of being able to share my gift with the staff at Ellenor hospice makes it even more special. Ellenor is close to my heart, many families depend on the kindness and support of all the staff at a time when they feel most vulnerable. Everyone at Ellenor is welcoming and quietly there for both patient & family.”

Nicola Irvine, Supporter Engagement Manager at Ellenor Hospice thanked Sara for her nomination, “We’re so grateful to Sara for nominating us. The care that we give to patients facing life limiting illnesses won’t stop this Christmas and New year. From care staff to housekeeping, we’ll be working hard to provide support at our Hospice and in patient’s own homes.  We’re so grateful for our local community’s help in ensuring we can do this and it’s so lovely to have received the treats included in the amazing hamper!  Thank you to everyone at Produced in Kent for gifting this incredible prize!”

The campaign, which was open to entries from 1^st October until 16^th December has been backed by the Kent food and drink industry, with generous support from sponsors Café Nucleus and  Oak Creative. Having supported the campaign by creating a festive logo, Laura Bevan from Oak Creative says “It has been a pleasure to support Produced in Kent with the Christmas Kindness campaign, we are very passionate about supporting local Kentish businesses and it’s been great to see the logo being used and for such a wonderful cause.  Well done to all involved!”

The supporters of the campaign have also raised over £400, which will be donated to the Produced in Kent charity of the year, Food Friends; a charity working to combat social isolation and loneliness in communities through food and friendship. This is achieved through a meal sharing initiative that connects volunteers – who are willing to deliver an extra portion of their home cooked food – with a neighbour – who would benefit from a nutritious meal and a doorstep chat.

Local independent food and drink businesses contribute to the local economy, the iconic Kent landscape and the environment. However, the sector is struggling, with the cost of living impacting on consumer spend and the summer tourist season a long way off.  You can show your support and help Kent’s food and drink heroes through winter, by buying local wherever possible and supporting the Produced in Kent Don’t Lose It, Use It! campaign.