The team at Haskins Garden Centre in Ferndown has announced it will be focusing its fundraising efforts towards supporting Autism Wessex for the year.

 Employees at the centre aim to raise several thousands of pounds by running events throughout 2018, as well as providing the charity the space to host information and awareness evenings to raise further donations.

Autism Wessex provides high quality specialist services for adults and children affected by autism throughout Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire and Somerset. According to statistics there are around 700,000 people affected by autism in the UK.

Lisa Looker, brand director at Haskins Garden Centres, commented: “It’s great that the Ferndown centre will be supporting Autism Wessex as its Charity of the Year. The charity is celebrating its milestone 50th birthday year and we will be working with them on some great fundraising initiatives, including their Big Brekkie campaign in April.

“We hope to be hosting lots of events throughout the year and encourage our customers to get involved when they can.”