Residents and staff at a Surrey care home have celebrated a significant fundraising success after their festive event raised a substantial sum for a local hospice.
Festive Fair Exceeds Fundraising Target
Rivermede Court care home in Egham hosted a Christmas fair that generated an impressive £1,411 for Thames Hospice. The team had initially aimed to raise £1,000, making the final total a welcome surprise. The event was designed to bring the local community together while supporting the vital work of the hospice, which offers compassionate care to people with life-limiting illnesses and their families.
A Community Effort with Local Business Backing
The fair offered a wide array of attractions and stalls that contributed to its success. Residents got involved by selling handmade items, including:
- Christmas decorations
- Centrepieces and coasters
- Popular festive gonks
Meanwhile, staff organised a Santa’s grotto, a tombola, and a raffle. The raffle was bolstered by generous prize donations from several local Egham businesses, demonstrating strong community ties. Notable prizes included:
- A £200 golf voucher from Royal Ascot Golf Club
- Cinema tickets from Everyman Egham
- A nail voucher from Anna’s Nails
- A family ticket to Bocketts Farm
Creating a Joyful Atmosphere
The event attracted strong support from the local area, with live music and various stalls adding to the festive mood. Highlights included gingerbread decorating run by the Navy Seals, as well as stalls selling wreaths, make-up, and crochet items. The combination of activities ensured a lively and engaging day for all attendees.
Manon James-Mallinger, General Manager at Rivermede Court, expressed the team's delight. She said they were thrilled to have exceeded their fundraising goal and were proud to support Thames Hospice's crucial work.
Jess Seymour, a Project Manager at Thames Hospice, thanked Rivermede Court for its generosity. She emphasised that the funds raised will directly help the hospice continue providing essential comfort, dignity, and support to patients and their loved ones during challenging times.
Rivermede Court, located on The Avenue in Egham, is part of the Cinnamon Care Collection. It provides residential, dementia, and respite care for its residents.