Over 30 customers, guests and Orbit staff members raised over £372 for Comic Relief on Friday 24 March at Evelyn House, an Orbit sheltered housing scheme in Strood, Kent. The Red Nose Day festivities included a raffle, auction, bric-a-brac sale, cake stall, craft sale and light refreshments – all to raise money for the worthwhile cause. Plenty of raffle prizes and food were donated by customers, staff and local small businesses, including Sheila’s Crafts, Grandma’s Homebakes and Denson Bespoke Furniture.
Philip Mills, a customer living at Evelyn House, says; "We have a strong community spirit at the scheme and organise a wide variety of fundraising activities for different charities. Today we raised a fantastic amount of money for Comic Relief, but previously we've also raised a record £1,687 for the scheme by hosting a MacMillan coffee morning!
Kathy Hyland, the sheltered scheme officer at Evelyn House, says; “We’re absolutely delighted by how successful the event was. We had a great turnout and everyone who came along had a wonderful time. I’m always so impressed by how our small community really comes together to raise so much money. It’s a real testament to the people who live here and their generosity. ”
This year, Red Nose Day and Comic Relief are focussing on five themes; immunisation, mental health, vulnerable young people, domestic violence and fighting malaria. In the UK, Comic Relief funds more than 2,000 projects that address a range of issues, from homelessness and mental health to dementia and vulnerable young people. Since last Red Nose Day, money raised has enabled Comic Relief to help 11.7 million people across Africa, tackling issues such as immunisation, malaria, education, maternal health and many others.
Evelyn House is an Orbit sheltered housing scheme that contains 24 flats and boasts a communal lounge, laundry facilities, a hairdresser’s shop, a library, a guest room with an en suite. They will soon be adding a craft room!