Acorns names new chair of trustees
Samantha Watson, store director at Selfridges Birmingham, has been named as the new chair of trustees at the children’s charity Acorns.
Acorns Children’s Hospice, the Birmingham Chamber 1813 Club members which has sites in Selly Oak, Walsall and Worcester, offers a network of specialist palliative care for life-limited and life-threatened babies, children and young people and their families across the heart of the UK.
A host of children and families cared for by Acorns were invited for a VIP festive extravaganza – the first “Stardust Spectacle” of the season at Selfridges Birmingham, which saw Santa and fashion fairy Stardust, dancing troupes of Mickey Mouse-inspired baubles and a confetti cannon spectacle mark the occasion and ensure that the announcement was a truly unforgettable moment.
Sam will formally take on the top role in November, following the departure of Mark Hopton, who is stepping down after leading the board for the past eight years.
Her mission is ambitious - to ensure everyone in the West Midlands and beyond knows about Acorns and its highly specialist care and recognises the charity as an integral part of the region.
Sam said: “The work we do at Acorns should be in the hearts and minds of everyone across the region. Every family should know that if they ever need children’s hospice care, Acorns is here to provide the specialist support they deserve.
“We are just as much a part of the region as its canals, historic buildings, music legacy, culture, thriving businesses and football clubs. It’s vital that supporters, fundraisers, donors and partners see Acorns as the charity of choice if they want to give back to their own community.”
Sam joined Acorns as a trustee just two years ago but already had a long-standing connection to the charity. From fundraising as a schoolgirl in Walsall to taking part in the Acorns flagship Bubble Rush event, and most recently completing a China Trek alongside families supported by the charity, she has seen firsthand the life-changing impact the organisation has on children and their families.
Sam added: “I’m deeply honoured to have the opportunity to chair the board of trustees. Around the table is a wealth of knowledge and experience, and to lead that team and work with the executive directors at Acorns is incredibly exciting.
“As a relatively new trustee, I bring fresh energy, and being Acorns first female chair allows me to offer a diverse viewpoint for both the executive team and the wider organisation in a really positive way.”
“I want everyone at Acorns to be loud and proud about our world-class care and will use every personal and professional connection I have to make sure Acorns is part of every conversation.”