John Russell (centre) with three of his fellow bag-packers in Reading.

There were two supermarket bag packs in October for International Stammering Awareness Day:

Jemima Phorson and her team raised £750 on October 22 with the support of Sainsbury's in Vauxhall, London.

John Russell and the Reading team on October 29 with the support of Sainsbury's Savacentre raised £170.

Thank you to the Sainsbury's staff and customers. Get in touch with the BSA to receive further information and assistance in organising a bag pack in your area: cr@stammering.org

Reading bag-pack
by John Russell

Sainsbury's Savacentre in Reading was the setting for the Reading bag pack, on 29th October 2005.

The event served various purposes: to distribute BSA flyers and contact information, raise awareness of stammering, and raise funds for the BSA. We had several volunteers throughout the day, who stood at the end of checkouts with a BSA bucket and a wad of flyers, which were given to those shoppers who were happy to have their bag packed.

It proved to be a very busy and positive day, Everyone who volunteered had the opportunity to have a break throughout the day, (and believe me we needed one!). The comments and response from the shoppers were very encouraging as well. Some people who didn't want their bags packed still gave a donation, which was appreciated.

I gave some flyers to a little boy and his mum and encouraged him to give them to the teachers at his school, and as a desensitisation exercise, explained the purpose of our being there to several shoppers. At the end of a very tiring but satisfying day, we collected a total of £170 which we can all be proud of.

Bag-packs represent a great way of raise awareness of stammering, as well as collecting funds for the BSA, and I want to encourage BSA members to get involved and organise bag packs in their areas. Not only will you be promoting awareness of stammering, the BSA, and raise money, you will have a great deal of fun too. Get in touch with the BSA to receive further information and assistance in organising a bag pack in your area!

I am looking to organise another event in Reading next year, so look out for that nearer the time. Thank you to Sainsbury's Savacentre and to the staff who fell over backwards to ensure that the day was a success, and a very big thank you to the volunteers who gave up their time to assist. Without you, the event would not have been the success that it was!

Stammering Awareness Day bag-packs 2004
Leeds bag-pack 2003
International Stammering Awareness Day