Media Release: Dolphin Shopping Centre Visitors Can Help Costa Coffee Build Third World Schools

Poole, Dorset – Thursday, August 12, 2010; Costa Coffee staff in the Dolphin Shopping Centre are going above and beyond to get a bigger buzz from their usual job, undertaking a two-month mammoth fundraising effort to help build and furnish third world schools in coffee growing nations.

For the first time, the entire Poole Costa Coffee team will expand their fundraising efforts throughout the Dolphin Shopping Centre while also supporting the Escape the Midday Sun programme of free family events. Starting on Friday, August 13, Dolphin Shopping Centre visitors will have the chance to sample some delicious food and drink courtesy of Costa Coffee staff that will be circulating the shopping centre between 2pm and 3pm. Continuing every Friday throughout August and supporting the immensely popular Silly Scott magic tricks, balloon modelling and face painting, shoppers will be able to try milkshakes, smoothies, coffee and hot chocolate as well as tasty mini muffins and biscuits, in exchange for a donation. All funds raised will go to the Costa Foundation and the Dolphin Shopping Centre branch is already well on its way to reaching its £250 fundraising target thanks to the hard efforts of its staff who have donated all of their tips throughout July and August. Fancy dress fun will also continue in-store until the end of the month, with all staff taking part in special themed events every Saturday. If reached, the Dolphin Shopping Centre store’s fundraising target will be doubled by Costa Coffee to help furnish third world schools in the coffee growing communities of Guatemala, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, Uganda and Columbia. Created in 2006, the Costa Foundation’s programmes have since helped to improve social and economic welfare within these communities by providing children with access to education. By the end of 2010 the Foundation will have completed its sixteenth school and made a real difference to the everyday lives of the coffee growers and their communities. Katrina Johnson, manager of the Dolphin Shopping Centre store, commented: “All of our staff are passionate about raising money for the Costa Foundation, to help build and maintain schools within five coffee growing communities. These are regions where children have no access to education, clean water, sanitation, transport or food for school meals. All things which we take for granted. “It’s great to be able to expand our fundraising efforts into the Dolphin Shopping Centre where we hope visitors will enjoy having the chance to sample some of our yummy tit-bits and support our fundraising efforts. We want to raise as much money as possible because if all stores in our area reach the fundraising target, that money will pay for an entire school classroom to be built.” Stephanie Lacey, Dolphin Shopping Centre Manager, said: “It’s really impressive to see the Costa Coffee team united for such a worthy cause. It couldn’t be easier for our visitors to support their fundraising efforts. In exchange for a small donation, simply enjoy some of Costa Coffee’s free sample food and drink while enjoying the Escape the Midday Sun events every Friday throughout August.” Fridays are action packed and full of fun throughout the summer holidays at the Dolphin Shopping Centre. Silly Scott, billed as the south’s leading children’s entertainer, will be keeping visitors amused from 11am to 3pm with his magic tricks, balloon modelling and face painting, while Ollie the Dinosaur from Ollie’s Playland will be taking trips around the shopping centre, giving away free lollies to children (while stocks last). For the full programme of Dolphin Shopping Centre Escape the Midday Sun events simply visit www.dolphinshoppingcentre.co.uk -Ends- Notes to Editors Located in the heart of Poole, the Dolphin Shopping Centre offers an unrivalled choice of over 100 leading stores with excellent access, adjacent travel links and car parking. From leading high street brands to quality independent traders, the vast array of choice caters for every shopping need, from inspiring fashion for all the family to homeware and entertainment, giftwares, health and beauty, sports and leisure, banking and travel. Escape the Midday Sun – Summary programme of events • Boots safe sun event on August 14 - meet Sunshine Sam throughout the day • Poole Pottery Workshops: 10.30am-4.30pm on Sundays, 15, 22, 29 • Poole Pottery Master Potter: 10.30am-4.30pm on Sunday, August 15 • Silly Scott: Appearing 11am-3pm on Fridays, August 13, 20, 27 • Peppa Pig and George: Appearing at 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm on Monday, August 30 For further information please contact the Dolphin Shopping Centre Press Office: Emma Spearing, Hazel PR Tel: +44 (0)1202 862411 Mobile: +44 (0)7736 341828 Email: emma.spearing@hazelpr.com

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