FINANCIAL BOOST FOR TWO BASINGSTOKE GOOD CAUSES
Two Basingstoke good causes have received grants of £1,000 from housebuilder Persimmon Homes to help them continue their work in the community.
Basingstoke Voluntary Action and The Camrose Centre were each awarded the funds through Persimmon’s Community Champions scheme, an initiative that each month supports two local good causes to the tune of up to £1,000.
Sarah Williams, project co-ordinator of Basingstoke Voluntary Action’s ReBoot IT scheme, said: “This is such fantastic news. Thank you so much for selecting us, £1,000 will really make a real difference to the number of people we can support.”
ReBoot IT refurbishes computers and donates them to disadvantaged members of the community. Referrals are received from local charities, non-profit community groups and schools and colleges.
Sarah added: “We are always seeking ways to source funding so we can continue to support as many people as possible. The feedback we receive tells us that this project is changing the lives of some of the most vulnerable in our community and giving them the chance of a brighter future.”
The Camrose Centre in Church Square is open three days a week and is a drop-in centre for anyone who is sleeping rough, homeless or vulnerably housed people in Basingstoke and Deane.
Charlotte Powell from the centre said: “We are a place where people struggling with accommodation can find a listening ear and companionship as well as access to a hot shower, clean clothes, shoes and food packs.
“We distribute tents, sleeping bags and rucksacks to homeless people when they are available and can help with access to physical and mental health services with local GP visits once a month.
“We also provide information, assistance and the use of a phone to help with legal, financial and addiction issues that these vulnerable people may be facing alone.
“Thank you to Persimmon Homes, we are thrilled to receive this funding. It will help us continue to provide our welcoming, caring, open and non-judgemental service.”
Rachel Faulkner, sales director of Persimmon Homes Thames Valley, said: “We are delighted to award Community Champions funding to these two Basingstoke good causes.
“Our Community Champions scheme continues to attract dozens of entries each week, and we would urge anyone who is not successful this month to apply again next month.”
For more information about Community Champions visit www.persimmonhomes.com/charity