A community food store in Dorset that feeds dozens of people in need each week has thanked residents, families, friends and staff at a nearby care home for raising more than £4,400 to help its work.
Bourne Community Hub in Poole staged a celebration tea party for visitors from Colten Care’s Bourne View who made it their main charity to support last year.
Funds were raised through events at the home such as fairs, fetes, raffles, ‘tea and togetherness’ sessions and business breakfasts.
The thank-you afternoon featured live music from ukulele group Pups and songs performed by Year 6 pupils at St Joseph’s Primary School in Poole.
Among the Bourne View residents who attended were Wendy Barnes, John Broomfield, Rosemary Hilborne and Jean Peacock.
Rosemary said: “It was wonderful that the community got together to show their appreciation. The children were delightful. I am proud that we could give back to the community, one who deserves every penny raised.”
John said of the visit: “I was very impressed with the setup of the food bank, it looked like a shop. The outing was thoughtful and worthwhile, and the ukelele band was a pleasant surprise. I am also impressed we raised over £4,000 for something so valued and important in the local community.”
Wendy was also delighted, saying: “It was a very pleasant afternoon. We were amazed by their generosity and gratitude.”
Team members attending from Bourne View were Home Manager Stuart King, Companionship Team Leader Natasha Dancy, Customer Support Advisor Juliet Brett and Minibus Driver Paul Hilliam.
Stuart said: “We’re so privileged and pleased to know that our efforts are supporting the hub’s much-valued food cupboard scheme, which allows community members to access essential food items at a minimal cost. Residents were really touched by the effort made to thank them and to learn just how much of a difference their fundraising had made. We’re also proud to continue supporting this initiative through regular monthly food donations.”
Hub spokeswoman Donna Crutcher said: “We are eternally grateful. It’s an amazing amount of money.”
