Sheila Hallas Raises £6M for Charity

Sheila is the Honorary Organiser of the Combined Charities Christmas shop, a fundraising organisation which she launched in 1971. It has now been running for 53 years, during which she and her talented team have amassed nearly £6.5M for good causes.

To mark the occasion, Sheila organised a special screening of Paddington in Peru for the team at the Rex Cinema in Wilmslow.

The pop-up shops open in libraries across Cheshire for the festive season selling charity Christmas cards. Operational costs are covered by additional proceeds from gifts, toys and decorations, allowing 100% of card sales to go directly to the charities.

This unique approach benefits over 40 charities, including the British Heart Foundation, Alzheimer’s Research Institute UK, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Oxfam, RSPCA, Macmillan Cancer Support, as well as some lesser-known local ones such as Wilmslow Wells for Africa and the East Cheshire Hospice.

This year the High Sheriff of Cheshire, Clare Haywood MBE DL, opened the Charity Christmas Card Shop at Wilmslow Library. She said: “The work, energy and commitment of everyone is very impressive. A huge thank you.”

Sheila, who is now 92, received her own MBE from Prince Charles in 1995. She said: “Somehow against the odds, we have not only survived but flourished. Over the 53 years this venture has attracted some extraordinarily talented people who give their time and talents to the successful running of this organisation. The incentive has always been to raise much-needed money for many charities with three defining principles - charities come free - they get 100% of their sales - and no one is paid.

“Despite the high cost of stamps, there is still a place for sending traditional Christmas greetings to family and friends and we have lots of big-hearted regulars who are keen to show their support this way. I’m delighted that this year we were still able to pay out a generous bonus to our charities on top of their sales.

And of course, the need for money is still paramount, for research funding, treatment, hospice care and so much more. With an army of amazing volunteers, and with your support, we will continue to help our charities.”

Everyone at LEH is immensely proud of her incredible achievements. Sheila is an inspiration to us all.