TWO Maidenhead-based charities that are used by people living in the borough have received donations from a housebuilder.
Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service and the Norden Farm Centre for the Arts received £1,000 from the Persimmon Homes Community Champions scheme, an initiative that every month supports two local good causes with cash grants.
The hospice currently supports more than 135 children and their families, and is grateful for the donation.
Jenni Green, trusts and foundations fundraiser at Alexander Devine, said: “Your support is helping to fill our hospice with smiles, like that of eight-year-old Aaminah who has a life-limiting and rare genetic condition that requires round-the-clock care.
“During her respite visits to us she loves spending time in our amazing sensory room. It helps open up her world to new experiences, providing stimulation or sometimes the calm and relaxing environment that she needs.
“Your support makes experiences like this possible for children like Aaminah.”
She added: “The specialist care and support we provide to children and families across Berkshire and beyond is free of charge. However with very minimal government funding, we are nearly entirely reliant on donations, fundraising and gifts in Wills to cover the £1.8 million cost of running our children’s hospice service each year.”
And the other beneficiary is a SocialArts project at Norden Farm. The crafty, creative programme is for older people and includes painting, drawing and sculpture.
Jessica Thompson, education officer at the Centre, said: “Sadly our funding for the project has ended, yet over lockdown we were able to continue to support the group of up to 15 participants over Zoom.
“Now with Persimmon’s help we are able to bring our participants back together again and offer this valuable service, delivering company, confidence and pride to more of our vulnerable older community.”
For more details, or to apply for Community Champions funding, log on to: www.persimmonhomes.com
