Francis Court’s summer fundraising round-up

Home news

Jul 16, 2016

Residents, relatives and staff at Francis Court care home in Copthorne are always looking for ways to give something back to the local community, and that often takes the form of fundraising for national and local good causes. Summer is always a great time to organise, or support, charity events, and this year’s been no exception!

Baking takes to the road

The home hosted a cake sale with a difference in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Awareness Week in late May. Members of the home team and residents’ relatives made beautiful cakes, raising quite a bit of money just in Francis Court itself, with staff and residents buying the delicious treats. But the team were keen to make as much money as possible for the charity, so they loaded up the trolley with the remaining cakes and ventured off around the village.

Karen Davies, customer relations manager, says, “It was a hot day, and butter icing doesn’t travel well in warm conditions! But locals were extremely generous – particularly those working in the industrial units in nearby Borers Arms Yard.”

The team’s efforts paid off, with over £120 being raised for the Alzheimer’s Society. Residents and staff were on hand to welcome Dawn Fairbrother, the local representative from the Alzheimer’s Society, when she came to pick up the cheque.

Flower power

May also saw Francis Court playing a key part in the Copthorne Open Gardens event, in aid of St Catherine’s Hospice in Crawley. The home team provided seating and refreshments free of charge on the care home’s front lawn, helping thirsty garden enthusiasts to rest and rejuvenate ready to explore some more.

Making new friends and raising money

Some residents got out and about in mid July for a party to raise funds for a new garden for stroke patients at Crawley Hospital. As well as enjoying live music and a belly dancing performance, they met local MP, Henry Smith, as well as Crawley’s mayor, Raj Sharma, and mayoress, Bhavna Sharma. The day raised over £350 for the hospital’s garden project, and the mayor was so impressed by Francis Court’s residents that he’s set to visit the home in August for high tea.

“All of us at Francis Court – staff and residents alike – are passionate about playing our part in local community life,” explains Karen. "Our ethos of activity based care is all about helping residents to stay active and engaged, and that includes playing a role in community events and groups, as well as enjoying activities in the home. Many residents have lived in the Copthorne area all their lives, and still want to be a part of what’s going on, and many of our team are locals too. So we’re looking forward to continuing to grow our role in the community and lend our weight to good causes.”