HC-One’s support office in Darlington hosted its first Christmas Fayre on Wednesday 6th December 2023 to raise funds for two charities, Feeding Families and the Down’s Syndrome Association. A grand total of over £700 was raised which was equally split between the two charities.
The Christmas Fayre was organised by HC-One’s Support Office Marketing and Careline teams consisting of a range of festive treats including homemade festive cakes, hot chocolate, food including hot dogs, a Christmas raffle with star prizes including designer perfume, a Christmas hamper, remote controlled car, dance fitness vouchers, plus other fabulous prizes as well as a Santa’s grotto providing visitors with the opportunity to snap a photo with Santa and his elves.
Residents and colleagues from HC-One’s local care home, Beaconsfield Care Home, also attended to join in with the fun.
The Feeding Families charity is based in the North East of England and offers support to those facing food poverty. Through working with organisations and agencies, the charity ensures that thousands of individuals have access to Emergency Food Boxes and support packages. The Down’s Syndrome Association is a charity that supports all aspects of Down’s Syndrome with the aim of enabling individuals who have Down’s Syndrome to live full and rewarding lives.
Lorin Barr, Social Media Marketing Executive at HC-One whose team chose to donate their funds raised to the Down’s Syndrome Association charity said:
“I’m so grateful that we work in a place where we have such kind colleagues that helped us raise money for these two wonderful causes. I’ve been a carer my entire life for my uncle who had Down’s Syndrome and feel like it is very much misunderstood as a learning difficulty. Sadly, he passed aged 60 this October, so raising money for the Down’s Syndrome Association is something extremely close to my heart and something I feel privileged to be able to do.”
Deborah Hulse-Raper, Head of Customer Care at HC-One whose team chose to donate their funds to the Feeding Families charity stated:
“It’s been a fantastic Christmas Fayre and fun was had by all. It was wonderful to meet some of the residents from Beaconsfield Court Care Home who joined us in enjoying the day. Through food, raffle and tombola sales, we’re delighted to be able to support our chosen charity of Feeding Families.
“Many Careline colleagues already support the charity with ‘A matched Christmas Dinner’ which is a campaign that matches donors with a family in the community whereby the donor delivers a Christmas dinner to their matched family a few days before Christmas, in readiness for the big day. It’s wonderful to be able to support the charity by making a monetary donation too as there are still many families waiting to be matched.
“A huge thank you to the whole of the Darlington Support Centre for supporting our Christmas Fayre and being able to make this possible.”
Juliet Sanders, CEO of the Feeding Families charity commented:
“We are extremely grateful for the support of HC-One. This has been a very challenging year with more families in need than ever so support from local people is key in being able to meet the demand. Hopefully 12,500 families will be supported this year. Thank you.”
Sheelagh Clayton, Head of Fundraising and Membership at the Down’s Syndrome Association said:
“The Down’s Syndrome Association has been supporting people who have Down’s syndrome, their families, and carers for over 50 years. Support from companies is vital to enable us to provide our services and programmes so we greatly value the help of companies, and our thanks go to the wonderful HC-One’s Darlington Support Office teams, for raising £350 through their Christmas Fayre.”