Since its inception, GAIL’s has enjoyed a close relationship with both customers and local proprietors alike. This, along with the GAIL’s loyalty card scheme, tasting samples to giveaway, free kids afternoon baking activities and a range of 'local only' promotions has gained GAIL’s a reputation as being a small business with a big heart. In addition, GAIL’s annual Hampstead Garden party not only brings locals together in a local community environment, but also raises much needed funds for local charities... so it’s no wonder that GAIL’s is a beacon of ‘love-o-nomics’.

GAIL’s understands that as a business grows, so too does its moral obligation to the community it serves… that said, if GAIL’s is at the heart of the local community, it certainly wears its heart on its sleeve.

For 2010, GAIL’s has committed itself to providing dedicated fundraising support to one local charity for each of its individual stores for the duration of the year (GAIL’s put the word out to needy charities and asked what help they could offer which is something of a turnaround to usual practice!). In doing so we are able to focus our philanthropic efforts in a way that allows us to work closely with the people behind the charity and gain a greater understanding of the individuals that benefit from it. Taking part in everything from sponsoring charity events, simply having in-store collection tins, dedicating products or teaching kids how to bake amazing cookies, GAIL’s hopes to raise awareness and assist the plight of these community concerns.

Our 2010 charities include Body and Soul in Notting Hill (www.bodyandsoulcharity.org/); KIDS in Battersea (www.kids.org.uk/); the North London Hospice for our Hampstead store(www.northlondonhospice.org.uk/); SEN Special School in St John’s Wood (www.swisscottage.camden.sch.uk/); Groundwork at Queen's Park (www.groundwork.org.uk/) and the very worthy Dog’s Trust at Chiswick (www.dogstrust.org.uk/).