Sanctuary Retirement Communities Raise £6,483 for Armed Forces Charity
A coordinated fundraising effort by Sanctuary Supported Living’s retirement communities has raised a fantastic £6,483 for the Armed Forces charity SSAFA. The donation was officially presented during a special gathering at the Jazz Court retirement community in Scarborough, bringing together residents, staff, and local SSAFA volunteers to celebrate the success of this multi-site charity drive.
Multi-Site Fundraising Initiative
SSAFA was chosen as the charity of choice by retirement communities across Cambridgeshire, Staffordshire, Shropshire, Scarborough, and Sheffield. The fundraising activities were diverse and engaging, showcasing the community spirit across these locations.
Daring Skydive Contribution
Four brave staff members, including Natalie and Heather from Baskeyfield House and Samantha and Jenny from Ness Court, completed a 10,000-foot skydive. Their daring leap alone raised an impressive £1,815 to support the vital work of the charity, demonstrating extraordinary commitment to the cause.
Ground-Based Fundraising Events
The fundraising continued on the ground with a variety of community events held across the different homes. These included:
- Raffles with exciting prizes
- Coffee mornings fostering social connections
- Cake sales featuring homemade treats
- Quizzes testing knowledge and teamwork
A special wartime-themed menu was also created for the ‘Taste’ restaurants, with a portion of the proceeds going directly to the cause, adding a historical touch to the fundraising efforts.
Leadership and Community Praise
Retirement Community Manager Liz Jones-Hall, who led the fundraising, praised the collective effort of everyone involved. “These efforts are a brilliant reminder of what we can achieve when we pull together, whether it’s jumping out of a plane or baking a cake,” Liz said. She expressed pride in supporting the charity, noting that many residents are veterans who have personally benefited from SSAFA’s services.
Official Donation Presentation
The donation was presented to SSAFA North Yorkshire Treasurer Bob Walton and volunteer Beverley Rob by Liz and fellow manager Laura Sedgwick. Bob Walton expressed his gratitude, noting that the funds will provide essential practical and emotional support to the Armed Forces family, highlighting the ongoing need for such contributions.
Personal Stories of Courage and Support
Skydiver Natalie Shaw admitted that while standing at the plane door was nerve-wracking, the cause gave her the courage to jump. “It’s an amazing charity that supports people who have given so much in service to our country,” Natalie added, reflecting the personal motivation behind her participation.
Resident and veteran Sandy Readman, 81, shared how the charity supported him during a difficult time while he served with the Green Howards. “SSAFA helped get me home from a foreign tour when my father died,” Sandy recalled, adding that he will be forever grateful for their help, illustrating the real-world impact of the charity’s work.
Historical Context of SSAFA
SSAFA has been providing dedicated support to regulars, reserves, and veterans since 1885 to ensure no one battles alone. This long-standing commitment underscores the importance of community fundraising efforts like this one in continuing their mission.
