Salisbury care home residents raise £1,500 for city foodbank

Friday, 7 March 2025 06:00

Residents and team members at a Salisbury care home have raised nearly £1,500 for the city’s foodbank.

Colten Care’s Braemar Lodge chose it as their main charity for the past year and staged a series of events and activities in support.

They included hosting a community garden party where visitors purchased donated gifts and craft items handmade by residents.

Catherine Brighty, who had her own table selling books, cards and other gifts she had gathered, said: “It was a great experience and all for a good cause.”

Funds raised during the year, amounting to £1,489, were handed over to Maria Stevenson, Manager of Salisbury Foodbank, at a cheque presentation at the Stratford Road home.

Thanking residents and staff, Maria said: “The support from Braemar Lodge will help to ensure we can continue to do our best for local people in the community who are in need. People are often shy to come forward for help so it is great that others in the community, such as Braemar Lodge, support us and keep our profile up.”

Braemar Lodge is one of 21 homes owned and operated by Colten Care in Wiltshire, Dorset, Hampshire and West Sussex.

Each home nominates a main charity to support each year, leaving scope for other causes to be helped too.

Once residents decide on the charity, companions, social carers, and other team members enable them to contribute hands-on and suggest ideas for sponsored activities.

Braemar Lodge’s contribution helped bring Colten Care’s group-wide charity fundraising total for the past year to a record £43,220.

The amount is 29% up on the previous year’s charity total which itself was 43% higher than the year before.

It means Colten Care residents and staff have benefited charities and good causes by nearly £115,000 over the past five years.

As well as foodbanks, beneficiaries across the south include conservation groups, animal rescue services, healthcare and disability charities and organisations helping the elderly.

Colten Care’s Chief Operating Officer Elaine Farrer said: “It is always up to our residents to decide which causes we support.

“As well as organising cash donations and raffle prizes, our teams help residents to do their bit through creative activities they really enjoy and that keep them fully engaged with their local communities.”