Charities

Topsham residents and visitors can look forward to the reopening of the popular Devon Air Ambulance Vintage & Variety charity shop in Fore Street this Saturday.

The shop’s planned refit was negated when excess water forced the shop to close its doors last winter.

Now, thanks to the hard work of contractors, staff and volunteers, the specialist charity shop welcomes local shoppers and visitors to browse newly-replenished shelves and rails, which boast many vintage items, from accessories and garments to trinkets, books and toys, donated by generous supporters across the...

A Devon woman running her first half marathon in aid of Just 4 Children’s Oscar’s Happy Feet has seen her fundraising effort boosted by a housebuilder’s charity fund.

Kerry Vandenbrouck, of Paignton, scooped £1,000 towards her target thanks to the Persimmon Homes Community Champions initiative. The match-funding scheme seeks to support groups and charities working to improve the quality of life or environment across the region.

Kerry explained: “Oscar is five and from Paignton, he was born 10 weeks prematurely and finally came home after eight weeks in hospital.

“At...

This year will once again see Hospiscare teaming up with local residents who are gladly opening their gardens in support of what is now a favourite staple in the charity’s calendar. This year, Hospiscare Open Gardens is entering its fifteenth year and to date has raised the awe inspiring amount of £227,000. This is thanks to the gardeners who work tirelessly caring for their outdoor spaces, the visitors who turn out in force to marvel at these treasured lands and the friends, family and volunteers who come together to make it all possible.

2018 was a record breaking year for the...

A charity supporting children and young people through the loss of family members has been gifted £1,000 to support its work in the region.

Balloons provides pre and post-bereavement support to children and young people and their families in Exeter, Mid and East Devon and has been awarded funds from Persimmon Homes South West’s Community Champions fund.

Sara Bennett, for Balloons, said: “The death of a significant loved one is a critical, traumatic moment for children and young people. Unsupported they have poorer health and educational outcomes, are more likely to enter...