HC-One care homes across the UK are marking International Day of Charity on Thursday, September 5, by reflecting on their recent fundraising efforts to raise vital funds for charities close to their hearts.
The International Day of Charity was established worldwide in 2012 by the United Nations General Assembly. The day honours Mother Teresa’s tireless work to help others overcome poverty and suffering with the aim to give back to charities, raise awareness and provide a platform for charity related work.
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Brookdale View Care Home in Newton Heath, Manchester, colleagues took part in the annual Cancer Research UK Race for Life to raise over £1,500 for the charity. 12 colleagues from the care home dressed up in flamboyant unicorn outfits and tutus for the race.
Brookdale View Senior Care Assistant, Joanne Parry, organised for several of her colleagues to attend the event. Darren Hodge, Brookdale View Clinical Deputy Manager, and his husband Christian Jay Figueroa took part in the event on July 7.
There were also several Care Assistants, as well as Brookdale View’s Deputy Manager, Steph Welch, and Steven Carter, Flex Force Cluster Supervisor, participated. There were also several Senior Care Assistants in attendance, including Kerry Windridge, Claire Ward and Joanne Parry.
The run was difficult for those involved, but the enthusiasm and encouragement given by all ensured everyone crossed the finish line. The team raised a staggering £1,455.27 and £272.50 in gift aid.
Darren Hodge, Clinical Deputy Manager at Brookdale View care home, commented:
“Team Brookdale View are proud to have taken part in Cancer Research UK's Race for Life to raise money to help keep finding new ways to fight this awful disease. We ran on behalf of those we love, friends, family and our residents.
“I'd personally like to give a huge thank you to everybody in the team who put on their running shoes, tutus and unicorn costumes, and slogged through the rain to raise money for such a worthy cause.”
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Silverwood Care Home in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, colleagues and residents took on the challenge of walking 100-miles to raise money for Dementia UK. In total, colleagues and residents raised a total of £452.25.
Dementia UK are a specialist dementia nursing charity that provides support for families who require life-changing support and advice for those affected by dementia.
Colleagues along with a few residents from Silverwood care home went for walks in May around the surrounding areas of the home, enjoying the fresh air, exercise, picturesque scenery, and sights whilst also taking the opportunity to get to know each other better.
Debra Meynell, Silverwood Care Home Manager, stated:
“I’m so proud of our colleagues and residents for taking on the challenge of walking 100-miles to raise money for Dementia UK which is a cause close to our hearts as we provide residential, nursing and dementia care services at Silverwood.
“Thank you to everyone who sponsored us. We hope that by raising funds for Dementia UK we can help contribute towards making a real difference to the lives of those living and affected by Dementia.”
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Greenways Court Care Home in Consett, County Durham, residents and colleagues raised an astonishing £2,175.00 for the RVI Children’s Cancer Unit in Newcastle by completing a sponsored walk around the local estate.
The local football club Consett Crusaders had organised a sponsored walk in aid of helping 12-year-old Ethan O’Neil, who has Stage 4 Hodgkin Lymphoma Cancer.
When colleagues at Greenways Court heard this news and realised the connection with Ethan’s Mum and Grandma who both previously worked at the 51-bed residential and residential dementia care home, they knew they had to help.
A meeting was held with residents, where they decided to join forces with the football club to raise funds for the RVI Children’s Cancer Unit.
Greenways Court resident, Maureen Urwin, commented:
“We never expected to raise as much money as we did in a million years!”
A total of £2,175.00 was raised from the sponsored walk, held on the 11 April. Michelle Bull, Care Manager at Greenways Court Care Home, got in touch with Philip Bithell, Fundraising Manager at Newcastle Hospitals Charity, who invited residents along to the RVI and have a photoshoot in front of the trusts background with their giant cheque.
Michelle Bull, Greenways Court Care Home Manager, said:
“I have so much pride in our team! Colleagues, residents, and visitors all came together to raise an amazing £2,175.00.
“All of the community supported us, and an amazing day was had. The residents were so proud to hand over the cheque, they had a real and well-deserved sense of achievement.”