Wake up and smell the coffee

Published by Neil Shaefer for Railway Housing Association in Housing and also in Communities

Residents at a sheltered housing scheme in Hereford have raised a record-breaking amount for a charity that helps people fighting cancer.

Each year, people living at the Railway Housing Association-owned Great Western Court in Canonmoor Street, Hereford, hold a coffee morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

This year’s event was held recently and resulted in a record £1,027 being raised for the charity.

The fundraiser began with a series of bring and buy and book sales. This, together with preserves which resident Sam Penman made in the months leading up to the event, meant a healthy £300 was raised before the main event even got underway.

The actual coffee morning was also a huge success with cream teas, cake & preserve stalls, homemade cards, a bottle stall, a lucky dip and a huge raffle among many things taking place on the day.

Hilary Lewis, Manager of Great Western Court, said: “We had tremendous support from the community who contributed everything from prizes and money through to use of a car park so we could cope with the large numbers of people who attended on the day.

“Everyone worked so hard and it is pleasing that even in these difficult economic times, local communities can rally in this way and raise a nice amount for a very worthwhile charity.”

Great Western Court is owned by registered social landlord Railway Housing Association.