Fundraising in a small town is often difficult and those in charge of this task have to often think out of the box to attract donors and garner funds. At Shepstone Place fundraising drives take the form of a garden and floral show, soup evenings, shows and others. This time Luigi Spano has decided to introduce cute and cuddly into the fundraising drive. The poet and writer is raffling a huge teddy bear and treats, which will be won just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Mr Spano explains that raffle tickets will be sold at the Hillside Shopping Centre on a date to be confirmed. Residents are encouraged to support this fundraising initiative by purchasing a ticket; all funds raised will be ploughed back into Shepstone Place – Home for the Aged. Mr Spano has designed a special T-shirt for the teddy, which features one of his poems and will make a unique and local gift for a loved one this Valentine’s Day. To read more about Mr Spano’s poems visit www.laspano.com