Donation boost announced for two vital local services
Two vital community organisations serving Devon have received a major boost with news that they are to receive around £1,000 each from a special ‘good causes’ fund set up by local housebuilder Persimmon Homes.
The Exeter-based company supports local charities and good causes through an innovative ‘Community Champions’ programme, which selects two worthy recipients every month.
One of the latest winners is Hospiscare, the local hospice charity for Exeter, mid and east Devon. Originally established as a community nursing service in 1982, Hospiscare now cares for patients and their families across Devon’s heartland. The main provider of specialist palliative care to local communities, it aims to offer the highest possible standard of support for adults in need of end-of-life care.
On behalf of Hospiscare, Louise Beeken, Head of Philanthropy, says “Hospiscare cares for over 2,500 patients and their families every year. With just 18% of our care funded by the NHS, donations from local organisations such as Persimmon Homes are vital to the future of our charity and we are so grateful.
“This year, we are celebrating 40 years of caring in the heart of Devon and we simply would not be here without the support of our local community, thank you for playing such an important role in our care.”
In Newton Abbot, a local voluntary group runs the Bradley Community Centre, which is experiencing a major increase in demand due to population growth, according to chairman Bernard Saunders:
“With new building projects such as Bradley View in our area, there is a growing need for community resources, especially for mature people in the locality. The number of registered persons in Bradley Barton is due to exceed ten thousand, and our centre is the main hub for the whole estate.
“We now wish to purchase a life-saving defibrillator, to be situated outside the centre, as this would be a great asset for everyone here. If we can do this, then we can arrange for instructional classes to be held, to ensure we can make use of it if needed.”
Commenting on the latest donations, Stacey Harris, sales director for Persimmon Homes South West, said: “Our Community Champions fund exists to support charities and good causes in this region.
“Both Hospiscare and Bradley Community Association are outstanding examples of the vital work being done at present – despite all the hurdles faced following the pandemic and current widespread financial difficulties.”
Persimmon Homes has a number of upcoming and recently-completed residential developments in the South West. For details, go to: https://www.persimmonhomes.com/find-your-new-home
To find out more about the Community Champions programme, visit: https://www.persimmonhomes.com/community-champions
