Easter at Colten Care homes featured bonnet parades, garden egg hunts, an appearance by the Easter Bunny and in-person food bank donations.
Residents at Avon Reach in Mudeford gathered and donated 40 packed lunches, each with an Easter egg, for families in need who use Christchurch Food Bank.
The packs, prepared by the home’s kitchen team, also contained colouring activities and pencils for children.
Resident Viv Rutter, who joined staff on the visit to deliver the donations, said: “It’s a meaningful opportunity to give back to our community.”
Thanking residents’ families and staff for contributing to the packs, Home Manager Ruth Wildman said: “It’s wonderful to see residents like Viv actively involved in supporting the wider community especially at this important time of year.”
Team members at Colten Care’s Castle View in Poundbury also organised an Easter egg collection which they delivered to food bank group the Dorchester Community Church Food Share.
Liz Meech, from the foodbank, said: “Because of these donations, every child on our family list will receive their very own Easter egg this year.”
Community spirit was also in evidence as Colten Care’s dementia care home Linden House hosted a visit by 24 children from Lymington Infant School, all wearing homemade Easter bonnets.
The youngsters, who are regular weekly visitors to the home in smaller groups, took part in an Easter egg hunt in the garden, accompanied by the Easter Bunny, before parading their bonnets for judging by the residents.
As she took in the array of hats, resident Pam Bradley said: “They must have put in some hard work to make each one.”
Fellow resident Tony Hicks said: “It was the best feeling to see the children all having fun and laughing.”
Home Manager Priya Joseph said: “Our residents enjoy the sheer delight that the children bring to the home. Easter is a very special time that brings joy to all.”
Other Colten Care homes staging Easter community events included Amberwood House in Ferndown, St Catherines View in Winchester, Canford Chase in Poole, Woodpeckers in Brockenhurst, Avon Cliff in Bournemouth and Court Lodge in Lymington.
