Christmas fete drums up support for charity

Published by SanH for Sanctuary Housing Association in Communities and also in Housing

Christmas came early this week, when Santa’s helpers from a Farnborough independent living scheme showed their festive side to raise money for Frimley Park Hospital’s Heart 2 Heart Appeal.

As part of a year-long campaign of support for the cause, residents from Sanctuary Housing’s Wimborne House have been working hard to raise much-needed funds. Following a successful summer fete, the generous residents pulled out their decorations to host a Christmas-themed charity event.

The festive extravaganza featured a raffle, with prizes donated from local companies, a tombola and a Christmas sale of wrapping paper, tags and stocking fillers.  A stall covered in mince pies and bakery treats whipped up a few bob, alongside a stand hosted by Sanctuary Housing staff.

Residents and attendees raised £400 on the day, all of which will go towards the Heart 2 Heart scheme.

Resident Margaret Pritchard, who has lived at Wimborne House for seven years, said: “It was a fabulous day and everyone enjoyed themselves.  The residents and scheme manager of Wimborne House have worked really hard.  People were so generous and it was all in aid of such a good cause.”

Sally McLaren, fundraising manager for Frimley Park Hospital, added: “We are very grateful that the residents of Wimborne House have selected the Heart 2 Heart Appeal as their charity for the year.” 

The appeal, launched by Frimley Park Hospital, aims to raise £1.5 million to purchase highly specialised, state-of-the-art equipment for a new, regional heart attack centre, providing the best possible treatment for heart attack patients.