A Doonfoot care home has donated £1,000 to a local charity and school in a mission to connect and give back to the Ayr community.
Meallmore Group’s Greenan Manor care home split the proceeds raised at their annual Summer Fete between charity, Whiteleys Retreat and Southcraig School’s Makaton programme.
Based in Alloway, Whiteleys Retreat delivers respite to Scotland-based children, young people and their families living with cancer or life-altering illnesses.
Southcraig School on Belmont Avenue provides education and an inclusive learning environment for children and young people with additional support needs. The school’s Makaton programme teaches primary and senior groups to use Makaton symbols and signs to communicate or support speech. The school has a close relationship with Greenan Manor, as Southcraig School pupils have paid weekly visits to the care home since December 2022 as part of the school’s ‘Little Hands, Big Hands’ project.
The project brings together the pupils, staff and residents for a singalong and mutual learning using Makaton signs, fostering positive relationships between generations.
The money was raised through traditional summer fete activities, including a raffle, tombola, craft and home baking stalls, over hot food and refreshments.
Residents and staff at Greenan Manor selected the two recipient organisations due to their community connection and important work.
Elaine Hughes presents Sarah Johnstone with the donation for Whiteleys Retreat
Greenan Manor care home manager, Elaine Hughes, said: “Opening Greenan Manor to the public for events such as the Summer Fete provides us with an opportunity to not only foster relationships with the community but to raise funds for meaningful organisations in our area.
“The services provided by Whiteleys Retreat and Southcraig School are imperative to families, delivering quality and custom care to those who really need it. As a care home with a similar care ethos, the choice of donations made sense to us. We had a wonderful day and it’s fantastic to be able to give back to these organisations.”
Southcraig School class teacher, Liz Gilmour, said: “The money raised will enable us to buy resources to create a shared experience and provide opportunities in expanding the knowledge of Makaton signs.
“Thank you to all at Greenan Manor for your kind contributions that will enable us to develop these beautiful friendships between the children and adults.”
Sarah Johnstone, Community Awareness Manager from Whiteleys Retreat said: “We are all very grateful that Greenan Manor picked us as one of their chosen charities along with Southcraig School. As a small local charity, it really does mean so much to us.
“The money raised will help us to continue in providing therapeutic respite breaks and extended support for children, young people and their families with cancer or a life altering illness across Scotland.”