Festive windfall for Halton Haven Hospice

Published by Group Communications for Symphony Housing Group in Housing and also in Communities

Festive fundraisers have donated more than £440 to a north west hospice.

Neighbourhood wardens turned into Santa’s little helpers earlier this month when they recycled holly, ivy and conifers from a housing estate into charity fundraising Christmas wreaths.

A team of four Liverpool Housing Trust (LHT) Jigsaw wardens transformed foliage into festive decorations in aid of Halton Haven Hospice in Runcorn.

A total of 100 Christmas wreaths were sold raising hundreds of pounds in the process.

Hannah Denny, fundraising support officer at Halton Haven Hospice, said: “The Hospice is extremely grateful for the money raised at the Christmas wreath making event.

“It costs more than £2 million a year to care for local adults and their families. A big thank you to everyone who contributed to raising these crucial funds for our charity."

The wardens’ first batch of wreaths was presented to residents of Achilles Court, home to LHT tenants aged over 55, as an early Christmas present.

Over the last three years scores of handmade Christmas wreaths have raised hundreds of pounds for good causes.

The annual event, which this year took place over three days, is a firm favourite with Runcorn residents and community groups, LHT tenants and staff alike.

The wardens gave a helping hand to anyone who wanted to make their own Christmas wreath or buyers purchased a pre-prepared one on the day for a minimum donation of £2.50.

Christine Walker, LHT Jigsaw landscape surveyor, said: “This is a tremendous donation to a worthwhile local charity so a big thank you to our hardworking LHT Jigsaw wardens and everyone who purchased a Christmas wreath.

“There was a wonderful festive atmosphere at the Christmas wreath making events with tea and mince pies laid on and lots of laughter.”