Davington School pupils with their cards
Covid-19 restrictions may have cancelled the annual Christmas lunch for senior citizens and the popular Christmas Carol Float which toured the town collecting for local charities, but that has not stopped Faversham Rotary Club finding novel ways to remember members of the community at this time of year.
On learning that there are 59 Young Carers, aged from 7 – 17 years, in our area we decided to collect gifts and to parcel these up to be distributed to them, to let them know how valued they are. They will receive gift vouchers and a range of other goodies, including woolly hats generously donated by a Rotarian.
Carnalea and Cooksditch Residential Homes will receive cakes baked by volunteers from Sheldwich WI, mince pies from Fillers and individual small gifts donated by Rotary members or chosen with love and care by one of Faversham Rotary’s keenest shoppers. Gifts are also being delivered to all the Almshouses residents.
Support came from several local businesses, including the Pilgrims Hospice Shop, Morrisons and Macknade Food Hall. It was a great team effort.
The children at Davington Primary and St Mary’s of Charity Primary schools have also participated by designing Christmas cards and writing seasonal messages to the residents of the Care Homes and the Faversham Almshouses.
Rotary Club President, Michael Hoey, said “Faversham Rotary was determined to bring Christmas to those who might feel alone or struggling. The generosity of friends, individual members and the generous surprise contribution from the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers, whose Master happens to be Rotarian David Simmons, has ensured a very wide distribution of gifts in what has been a most challenging time for everyone.”