Charity is for life, not just for Christmas, is the new motto at Earlybird, the popular card shop on Church Street.

Business owners Heidi and Dominic Early decided that, after the success of Earlybird’s Christmas charity cards, an all year-round donation seemed the logical next step.

Many of the cards and wrap in the shop are designed and published by Earlybird themselves, so a donation from the sales of their own brand cards seemed the best way to go. ‘We found that people love Dominic’s cards and as we publish them ourselves felt that donating to a local charity was something we wanted to do. We hope that not only does it benefit local people but will encourage sales on our own brand.’

So the independent shop has partnered with local charity Hackney Quest and will donate a percentage of its profits every time a customer buys one of their designs. Dominic explains: ‘We were having trouble deciding which charity to support so we made a shortlist and asked our customers who they wanted to help.’

Over 150 customers voted and the majority (48%) said they wanted to help Hackney Quest, which aims to help disadvantaged young people in the area. The donation from Earlybird’s customers will help towards funding some of the valuable year-round activities the charity provides, such as theatre trips, sailing, homework clubs, canoeing and other activities that the young people would not otherwise have the opportunity to take part in.

Hackney Quest project director, Colette Allen, said: ‘Thank you so much to Earlybird and their customers for recognising and supporting the important work that this children’s charity does in the local community. We have been helping young people and their families for the past 21 years and the work we do really does make a difference - broadening horizons, raising aspirations and inspiring young people to get back on track. We are very grateful for your commitment to supporting us and to making a real difference in the Hackney community.’

For more information please go to www.hackneyquest.org.uk.