Yasmin Argent of Abington Street based Matchbox Café has been crowned our latest Business Hero – praised for her commitment to charity during the challenges of coronavirus.
During COVID-19 Yasmin set her sights on raising money for Northampton town centre’s The Lowdown, a voluntary Mental Health charity, providing free and confidential counselling, emotional wellbeing, sexual health and LGBTQ support services for 11 to 25-year-olds.
Yasmin explained: “Before lockdown people could buy tickets at the café, but when we had to close I found other ways and means to advertise and sell the tickets. I bought all the prizes myself. It was my own personal experience that inspired me to support The Lowdown. I have always aimed to promote body positivity via my social media channels and I received good therapy from The Lowdown, which has helped me on this journey.
“At Matchbox Café we all feel strongly about supporting others – both individuals and fellow businesses. This was the first time I have raised money for a charity off my own back. I have always donated but this time I decided to start it up myself.
“Doing this has felt amazing. We only raised £50 but it was so rewarding witnessing the support of our customers, even when we had to do it online. One of the winners even asked us to donate her prize to someone else in need and that was the moment I realised we were making a small but important difference – spreading kindness during a time of immense challenges to so many.
“We gave this winner’s prize, an Easter basket, to a young lady who had suffered a house fire in Northampton as she had two young boys. They received the basket of chocolate and other Easter goodies thanks to the kindness of our customer and my boss delivered it as I can’t drive – team effort all round.“
Do you have a ‘Business Hero’ in mind?
Our Business Heroes will be individuals or teams who, over the lockdown period, have:
Made a real difference to colleagues, family and friends
Been passionate about making the town centre the very best it possibly can be
Been instrumental in making positive changes to the town centre
Given back – to the community, customers and the town centre
Our Heroes must own or be employed by a Northampton town centre BID-levy paying business. Find out more and make a nomination HERE.
