On Thursday 31st July, the family-run business marked a decade of fundraising with their 10th Par 3 Charity Golf Championship at Stoneleigh Deer Park Golf Club, where they’ve sponsored the Par 3 course for the past 15 years.
Bringing together suppliers and customers for a day of friendly competition and giving back, this year’s milestone event welcomed 26 sponsors and 76 participants. A total of £6,200 was raised for local charity Evelyn’s Gift, which Avon Timber generously rounded up to £10,000 on the night to celebrate the tenth anniversary of this charity championship.
Founded by Helen Smith in memory of her daughter Evelyn, who tragically passed away in 2013 at just seven years old, Evelyn’s Gift provides essential support to people in crisis across Coventry and Warwickshire - from bereavement assistance to emergency supplies for families fleeing domestic violence. The charity also works to raise awareness of CPR training and the importance of community care.
Mark Woolerton, Procurement Manager at Avon Timber Merchants who organises the charity golf day on behalf of the business, said: “Supporting Evelyn’s Gift this year felt especially meaningful - not only because they’re also celebrating 10 years of making a difference, but because the work they do directly helps people in our community. We know every pound raised goes straight to those in crisis, and it’s that local impact that really matters to us. It’s been a privilege to see how much this fundraising event has grown over the years, and to bring people together for a day that’s not just about golf but about giving back.”
Funds raised from this year’s event will help Evelyn’s Gift continue supporting vulnerable families - from providing school uniforms and shoes for children in need, to gifting experiences that help siblings in care reconnect, and maintaining a vital support network for bereaved parents.
Helen Smith, Founder of Evelyn’s Gift, said: “As a small, volunteer-led charity, we depend on the generosity of local people and businesses like Avon Timber to keep our services running. The funds raised from this event will make a real difference - helping us continue our work supporting families in crisis across the region. From providing essential items to offering comfort during bereavement, we aim to respond with compassion and kindness when it’s needed most. We’re incredibly grateful to Avon Timber and everyone who took part in the golf day for their support.”
Over the past 10 years, the golf day has raised over £60,998.33 for a wide range of local and national causes, including Macmillan Cancer Support, Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice, Myton Hospice, and the Alzheimer’s Society.
Steve Lomasney, Managing Director at Avon Timber said: “As a family run business, giving back whenever we can is something that’s always been important to us. The charity golf day has become a key event in our calendar and something we genuinely look forward to each year. Over the past decade, we’ve been proud to support a range of charities that mean a lot to our team - many of whom have experienced their support firsthand. We’re incredibly proud of the total raised for good causes, but none of it would be possible without the continued generosity of our amazing suppliers and customers, who show up year after year and help us make a real difference.”
