Donation a sweet success for Sunderland care home

A holiday home for the disabled in Sunderland has received a cash boost this week thanks to staff from Frank Haslam Milan (FHM) North East.

Staff at the Wearside-based firm raised money for the Donna Claire Venture in Seaburn Sunderland, by selling sweets and baking cakes. Other activities included dress down days, raffles and a gift wrapping service over Christmas.

The community regeneration specialist presented a cheque for £1,000 which will help contribute towards providing short breaks and respite for people with physical disabilities.

FHM’s receptionist Marie Furniss who helped to raise the money said: “The Donna Claire Venture was threatened with closure in 2008 but a public campaign was launched to raise money to provide this excellent service. The general public helped to raise over £100,000 and we wanted to contribute towards this amount.

“The staff at FHM took it upon themselves to come up with different ideas to help raise money and we are proud to present this cheque to them”.

Geraldine Plunkett, Manager of Donna Claire Venture said: “We are delighted that people continue to raise money for Donna Claire. It was a lovely surprise when FHM rang to say they had raised this money - a wonderful effort by a small number of people.

“The money being raised will enable us to continue to employ the necessary staff we need to care for our guests and maintain the property and equipment that is specialised to give the very best environment for the people who stay at Donna Claire House. We thank everyone, without their support we could not provide this valuable service.”

The Donna Claire Venture provides one-to-one care for up to five severely disabled people at a time.