Our chosen charity for 2025/26: FareShare South West
Posted by Lucy Dunkley on Updated on
Giving back
As an independent business located in the South West, we’re proud of our roots and believe in supporting the local community wherever we can. From our Concierge team's recommendations, down to the products our owners provide in the welcome hamper – we’re passionate about supporting the businesses that make our region so special.
Our dedicated team of Charity and Wellness Ambassadors aim to work with a local charity each financial year, supporting their fundraising efforts, while using our platform to raise awareness about the amazing work they do.
© FareShare South West
Our chosen charity for 2025/26
This year we’re proud to be supporting FareShare South West. Established in 2007 as a solution to the UK’s broken food system, today this food charity acts as an emergency service, rescuing quality surplus food and distributing to over 360 frontline organisations.
FareShare South West partner with farmers, local suppliers and retailers, fighting the injustice of who can access and afford a healthy diet, with 60% of the rescued food consisting of fresh vegetables, fruit and dairy products, ensuring the local community can thrive, not just survive. Last year, 4.1 million meals worth of nutritious food was saved from landfill as FareShare South West look to tackle the climate crisis whilst making a lasting, positive, social change.
Proudly, 350 regular volunteers make up 90% of the team, including refugees and people claiming asylum, individuals in recovery from addiction, those with learning disabilities and younger people struggling with social isolation and poor mental health. Through the FareChance employability programme, 30 disadvantaged young people in the South West are given the opportunity to improve their readiness for employment, whilst gaining vital work experience and accredited qualifications.
In 2025 the charity is increasing their impact in areas across North and West Cornwall where rural poverty is especially profound. In June, just a stone's throw from the Perfect Stays office, a new “Enhanced Local Collection Point” will be opening in St Columb, where a partnership with Fentenfenna Farm will provide a rural enterprise hub for small circular economy businesses in the region, enabling 200 additional families to receive over 11,000 meals worth of food a week.
How we're helping
With this cause both geographically and morally close to our hearts, our team will have the opportunity to use their annual paid volunteering day to support operations first-hand, as well as organising multiple in-house fundraising events throughout this financial year.
Perfect Stays is committed to making a genuine difference and have pledged to donate a small fee from every booking to FareShare South West. For every £1 raised throughout this partnership, four meals will be shared across the region. You can join us in making a positive impact to charities, schools and community groups within the local area and donate via our Just Giving page. Thank you in advance.
“We’re delighted that Perfect Stays have chosen us as their charity of the year. In Cornwall, Devon and Somerset we find beautiful landscapes and close-knit communities, but also people at risk of isolation, food insecurity and pockets of real deprivation. As a small local charity, your support helps us meet the growing need for healthy, nutritious food and the wraparound services our member charities provide. Thank you.” - FareShare South West CEO, Lucy Bearn
© Left: Ocean Conservation Trust, Middle: The Wave Project, Right: Children's Hospice South West
Previous partnerships
Last year we worked with the Ocean Conservation Trust, raising £1,500 to support the charity of ocean optimists taking action to protect and restore the ocean.
In 2023/24 our fundraising efforts supported The Wave Project. Originating in Cornwall, their Surf Therapy programme aims to improve children’s mental health and wellbeing, delivering inclusive surf lessons for all abilities.
Our partnership with Children’s Hospice South West in 2022/23 helped raise crucial funds for hospices across the region, providing stays and emergency and palliative care for babies, children and young people living with life-limiting conditions.
If you’re curious to find out more about our fundraising efforts, or a local charity in need of our support - check out our Supporting Local Causes Page and get in touch to be considered for a 2026/27 partnership.
Posted by Lucy Dunkley
Lucy has recently moved to Cornwall, while she's not in the office she loves exploring North Cornwall with her dog Max and practising her pop-ups in the white water.
