Petorama pet shop in Bourne helps to support local people through nominations
A business owner has bought a smile to people’s faces with a number of surprise festive gifts.
Emanay Peters, owner of Petorama pet shop in West Street, Bourne, launched an appeal on Facebook asking for nominations of people deserving of a special Christmas gift.
She had planned to donate to one family but after several nominations were made for people who were having a hard time arrived in her inbox, she decided to make multiple donations.
Emanay said: “I’m an owner of an essential shop, so we were open through the lockdowns. I was heavily pregnant during the first one and one of my ladies gave up her own business to go full-time in my place.
“During that time she told me a lot of people were struggling because they had lost jobs, and we were receiving lots of calls asking if we had any vacancies.
“It wasn’t until this happened that I realised people were in need.
“We donate to pet charities every month, and so I thought it was perhaps time to do something for customers instead.”
After reading the nominations, Emanay felt ‘heartbroken’ that so many people in Bourne were suffering mentally and financially as a result of the pandemic.
She decided to buy additional vouchers and gifts from local business, supporting them as well as helping the people she would give them to. Some businesses also donated to the cause.
“I didn’t realise there was such a problem locally,” she said.
Nominations ranged from families in need of basics and food to people who had “been amazing” helping an 87-year-old.
Emanay delivered the gifts on Sunday (December 13) to more than 50 nominees in the Bourne area.
“I can now say confidently that everyone nominated has received something,” she said.
“I hope this inspires other people to help those in need, whether they need some necessities or just a small gift to make someone smile.
“If everyone helped each other there wouldn’t be anyone hungry or going without anything any time of the year, not just at Christmas.”
Emanay is inviting local people to make more confidential nominations to Petorama over the coming days, and businesses that wish to become involved in supporting goodwill scheme to get in touch.
Those who helped in the first round included: Alison Tilley, Toni Beeken, Aston Wardle, Jemma Markham and Robert Markham, Jodie Mitchell, George Turley, Richard Peters at Lakeview Pet Crematorium, Matthew Tilley at Stamford Traditional Builders, Chiltern Distribution Ltd, Xania Newiss, Envi HairDesign, Stamford Bells Football Club, Haycock Manor Hotel, Martin Conneely, Wansford Lounge, JPS electrical, Smart Home Charge, Deeping Rangers Youth and Bourne Under 18s.
