55 members and volunteers from three Brendoncare clubs in Fareham and Stubbington enjoyed an "Afternoon Tea at the Ritz" party, thanks to a generous donation by Zurich Community Trust.
The Fareham Lunch, Fareham Friendship and Stubbington Lunch Clubs are run by Brendoncare, the care charity for older people, and provide their members - most of whom are in their 80s and 90s and live alone - with a really valuable weekly or fortnightly trip out of their home.
Stubbington Church Hall was transformed into a glorious sight with linen tablecloths and napkins, chair covers, fresh flowers and vintage crockery. On the menu were six types of cake, delicate finger sandwiches and Bucks Fizz and tea on demand.
In a raffle Maria Giacomin won a huge hamper filled with lovely treats and members received boxes of chocolates and biscuits. The wonderful work of the Brendoncare volunteers was recognised with bunches of flowers for the ladies and biscuits for the men.
Brendoncare’s Fundraising Manager Laura Luff said: “We are so grateful to Zurich for making this wonderful event possible. By fundraising as a team throughout the year, Zurich paid for the whole day, including providing transport for our members to get there. They all had an amazing time, with one lady describing it as the best afternoon she had had all year.”
The afternoon was organised as part of the annual Challenge programme run by the Zurich Community Trust, the charitable arm of leading financial services group Zurich. The scheme encourages all Zurich staff to make a practical difference to charities and community groups across the UK through volunteering and fundraising. The programme started in Swindon in 1990 and since then a total of 2,186 team challenges have been completed.
Jaime Seymour of Zurich said: "It was very fulfilling to see all of our hard work come to fruition, and that our guests enjoyed the day as much as we did."
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For further information, please contact:
Nicki Smith/Laura Luff, Brendoncare on 01962 852133
