TWO Winchester care homes joined forces to support a therapeutic work community for adults with learning disabilities.
Colten Care’s Abbotts Barton and St Catherines View, in Stanmore, raised more than £3,000 for the Boaz Project in Sutton Scotney.
Fundraising activities included a family-friendly ‘fete on the field’ on a green off Worthy Road, near Abbotts Barton Care Home.
The day after receiving the cheque, the Boaz Project was told it needed to replace an oven potentially costing thousands of pounds.
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Stuart Palmer, Boaz Project manager, said: "As a small independent local charity we really appreciate everyone who gets alongside us as we help our members access interesting work experiences in the beautiful Hampshire countryside.
“When things break on the site or need replacing, fundraising is vital. On the day after we received their cheque, our oven broke down. The engineer did a temporary fix but said it really needed replacing at a cost of several thousand pounds. Without Colten Care we could not consider such a purchase. Each day we cook a hot lunch using much of the produce grown on our allotments by our members. Without the cooker this would not be possible. Thank you all.”
Speaking at a cheque presentation at Abbotts Barton, resident Daphne Hopewell said: “I am delighted to be able to continue to support the charities which we, the residents chose for the year.
“Boaz is a particularly important one for me. I have family members who have needed lots of help and have benefitted from organisations such as this one.”
Dee Lovewell, Abbotts Barton home manager, said: “We are proud to have raised such a fantastic total and provided direct help in this way for the Boaz Project.
“Fundraising is always an enjoyable experience for residents and staff and it helps residents continue to play a meaningful role in their local communities.”
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The homes’ latest fundraising total has surpassed last year’s figure of £2,750, which went to Hart Wildlife, a charity that rescues sick and injured animals and birds from across Hampshire and neighbouring counties.
Abbotts Barton and St Catherines View are among 21 Colten Care homes in the south, all registered for nursing care. St Catherines View, in Stanmore Lane, is one of four dedicated dementia care homes in the group.
The Boaz Project at Hill Farm provides farming-related activities, including horticulture, animal care, woodworking, craft and cookery classes for adults with learning disabilities. For more information go to boazproject.co.uk.
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