Residents of our home for adults with learning disabilities in Bailiffgate, Alnwick, have big plans for their garden next year, so Christmas seemed the perfect time to start raising some money for all the little extras they would like to buy themselves.
Everyone took part in baking a special Christmas cake, which they iced and decorated. Joanne Dixon, who manages the home, called the charity’s Head Office to offer everyone the chance to buy raffle tickets to win the cake – and found all her residents invited down to Newcastle for an impromptu party.
In no time at all, the charity’s minibus was booked for the trip, party food and drinks arranged and Fostering North East’s resident guitarist, Peter Meek, agreed to lead everyone in some seasonal singing. All the staff at Head Office bought raffle tickets, as did staff in the Hexham and Newcastle Diocese office, which shares St Cuthbert’s House with us.
In the end, the cake made its way back to Alnwick; the lucky winner being Gwen Simms, one of the Bailiffgate carers. £50 was raised on the day and will be added to the kitty for a summerhouse they hope to buy next year.