Cash boost for charity that helps the elderly

A local drop-in centre that supports lonely and isolated elderly residents in Fleckney has received a cash boost thanks to a donation from our North Midlands region.

Persimmon Homes North Midlands region has awarded Fleckney Kitten Club a £500 grant as they continue to support local groups and charities in the area.

At Persimmon we donate up to £64,000 a month to fund initiatives as part of the highly successful Community Champions scheme.

Fleckney Kitten Club started 40 years ago but was forced to close during the pandemic. It reopened in June this year and numbers are growing weekly as senior residents begin to feel more confident going out.

Bet Haggerty, from the club, said: “We’d like to say a massive thank you to Persimmon Homes for choosing us to receive this donation.

“We hire a village hall and it’s quite expensive so this £500 grant will help us pay the rent for the next six months.

“It’s great to see both ladies and gentlemen coming along for coffee, cake and a chat after what has been a very difficult period for everyone.

“The elderly residents in our village were isolated and lonely during the pandemic because many live alone and had to self-isolate, often unable to see family due to lockdown restrictions.

“Our eldest member has just turned 103 and most have to walk with an aid so I also arrange to collect those who find it difficult to walk.

“Now things are starting to get back to normal we’re running a weekly raffle which will hopefully go towards a Christmas party with a buffet and entertainment by the local theatre group Fleckney Duckpond Players.

“Local baker Fiona Cairns has also been donating delicious treats and residents have contributed raffle prizes, but this cash grant is the cherry on top of the cake.”

Nadine O'Dowd, sales director at Persimmon Homes North Midlands, said: “Fleckney Kitten Club is such a lovely community initiative so it’s great that we can help out.

“The pandemic has been such a tough period in all our lives but none more so than for elderly people, especially those who live alone.

“Senior residents really look forward to these types of community events so we’re proud to support with the running costs that will ensure the club continues throughout the winter months.”

For more information visit Persimmon charity, or to apply for Community Champions funding visit www.persimmonhomes.com/community-champions.