Care Home’s Festive Spirit Raises More Than £500 For Age UK

A Salisbury care home’s Christmas market raised more than £500 towards its residents’ nominated charity, Age UK.

The free-to-enter event at Braemar Lodge in Stratford Road featured traders’ stalls selling gift ideas plus decorations and other items handmade by residents.

Visitors were welcomed with roast chestnuts and marshmallows and enjoyed finger buffet food and live carol singing as they toured the market.

The £524 collected on the night brings the total amount raised by Braemar Lodge for Age UK this year to £1,600.

Sylvie Rodulson, Braemar Lodge Activities Organiser, said: “Many thanks to all who donated raffle prizes and everyone, including residents’ relatives and guests, who attended on the night. It was a brilliant start to the festive season.”

As well as Braemar Lodge, Colten Care runs 18 care homes in Hampshire and Dorset. The family-owned company has a deliberate policy of linking activities programmes with fundraising for charities chosen by residents. In 2014, the 19 homes raised nearly £25,000 for charity. Over the past five years, the figure is more than £110,000. The 2015 total will be revealed early in the New Year.

Age UK is the biggest charity in Britain dedicated to older people. Every year it provides support, companionship and advice to more than five million people.

To watch a video of the market, please visit Colten Care’s YouTube channel – www.youtube.com/coltencare.