Every day we make a positive impact on the lives of residents and service users but with extra help, we can do so much more. By raising funds for Empanda, no matter how big or how small, the results are priceless and the support we receive makes all the difference.
We are extremely grateful to those ambassadors who fly the Empanda flag but would like to recognise the fundraising efforts of one particular family, the Morgans, who go above and beyond to raise money for a service close to their heart (their son James uses our Respite Service for adults with learning difficulties).
Following the success of last year’s flower demonstration, which raised £1,350 towards the purchase of a vehicle for adults with a learning difficulty using the Oak Trees Respite and Supported Living services, Jane and her family decided to turn their attention to raising funds for a specially adapted bicycle. As well as promoting good health and well being, the bicycle would allow those using the service to sit beside a member of staff and experience the pleasure of cycling, something that many would never get the opportunity to do on their own.
Held at Hethersett Old Hall School in the spring, the ‘Bicycle made for Two’ lunch and flower demonstration event raised a fantastic £1,460 towards the bike. This was made possible thanks to the support and generosity of everyone involved – from the ladies who worked so hard on the day; Hethersett Old Hall School; East of England demonstrators Adele Kent and Joanne Randall; the audience and most importantly, Jane’s mum, who was instrumental in ticket sales.
Jane said, “We feel it is important that money raised is used for a specific purpose rather than being added to a general fund and we are sure that this made a huge difference in terms of the support we received.”
This fantastic boost to the fund meant that in the summer, we were able to purchase a couple of used specially adapted bicycles as well as helmets for those using the service to enjoy.
Jane and her husband Roger have continued to raise money this year and recently donated £140 from a sweep stake win, for festive food and drink, as well as Christmas decorations to replace those that had been destroyed in a recent flood at Oak Trees.
Kerrie Good, Director (Learning Difficulty Services), said, “We are indebted to Jane and her family, who tirelessly support the Oak Trees Respite and Supporting Living Services. Their fundraising efforts really do make a difference to the people we support and for that, we are truly grateful.”
