C&C At 95: “Move For Care” Fundraising Initiative Launched To Provide Sensory Gardens In Care Homes

With 2021 marking 95 years since a public meeting chaired by Ada Chesterton helped raise £5,000 to launch predecessor company Cecil Houses, Central and Cecil Housing Trust (C&C) is announcing a special fundraising project to raise over five times that figure, with the aim of installing sensory gardens at each of its four care homes.

The “Move for Care” initiative will invite C&C residents, colleagues and wider supporters to take part in two separate challenges that intend to attract donations and sponsorships which could enable the gardens to be built at the homes, which are situated in Richmond and Camden.

The challenges set by C&C are:

• January 2022: a month-long step challenge. This encourages participants to stay active and keep moving throughout the month of January, and also to raise awareness of the ‘extra mile’ our carers go daily to support residents. Participants will be encouraged to set realistic targets for themselves across a day, week, or the whole month – and C&C is hoping to record at least 9.5 million steps (equating to over 3,300 miles) across all who take part.
• February 2022: a fortnight-long dance-a-thon. This will comprise in-person and virtual dance activities, including two dedicated Facebook Live events. Participants will be given opportunities to take part in new activities such as Latin dance and freestyle dancing, along with more established styles including seated dance exercise classes and Zumba Gold.

The aim of the initiative is to raise £25,000. Sponsorship and fundraising donations can be made online, while individuals and businesses keen to find out more about the project can get in touch by e-mailing getinvolved@ccht.org.uk.

Julia Ashley, C&C Chief Executive, said:

“To celebrate 95 years of building communities and providing affordable homes in London, we really want to do something that residents, colleagues and the public alike can get involved in, while raising money for something special and life-changing for our care home residents.

“The physical and mental health benefits associated with staying active cannot be overstated. In addition, “Move for Care” will be encouraging people of all ages to try something different and get moving at a time of year where it’s so easy to do little or no exercise. And there’s a huge fundraising incentive as well – as we hope the sensory gardens, which would provide amazing therapeutic outdoor spaces for residents to relax and enjoy, can become a reality.”