Housebuilders Generous Pre-Christmas Community And Charity Support

In the run-up to Christmas, housebuilders across the UK are continuing their long-term support of charities and organisations in the areas where they are currently constructing new homes.

Barratt Developments Scotland – which includes the Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes brands – is celebrating a year of giving after donating more than £520,000 to good causes across Scotland. Its support includes promoting health, employability and care among many other causes through various charity initiatives, including the Barratt Developments Scotland Community Fund, which donates £1,500 to a deserving local cause in each of its Scottish divisions every month. Among the dozens of recipients are Launch Foods, which helps feed hungry children in Glasgow, AberNecessities, a baby bank which provides disadvantaged families with essential items in the north of Scotland, and Look Good Feel Better, dedicated to improving the self-esteem of those undergoing cancer treatment. Douglas McLeod, Barratt Developments’ regional managing director for Scotland, said: “There is so much important work being undertaken by organisations up and down the country, and we look to continue supporting a diverse mix of causes in 2024. We would like to thank everyone who suggested charities and supported our fundraising activities this year.”

Youngsters at Silver Tree Primary School at Usher Moor, County Durham are falling in love with reading, thanks to the support of the Miller Homes Community is developing a much-needed library. The money has been spent on buying a sofa and bean bags for the library, which was officially opened on the last day of term by former teacher, Judith Kidd, who has had the library named after her. Through the year, fund money also went to Seaton Sluice Football Club to help pay to take young players to a tournament in Blackpool, North Shields-based Mindstars NE to buy craft materials to help young people suffering with mental health issues, and Cramlington’s Mayfields Community Centre, which received £1000 to support its community meal service. Twice a year good causes can apply for a share of £10,000 from the Community Fund to help them with a specific project or need. Ryan Lincoln, regional operations director of Miller Homes North East, said: “The Community Fund is there to support organisations at grass roots levels who need a helping hand. Creating communities is what Miller Homes is all about and so being able to show that in a tangible way is something we’re absolutely delighted to do.”

A much-loved performance club for children in Tredegar is the latest recipient of Persimmon Homes’ Community Champions scheme. The housebuilder’s East Wales business donated £1,000 to volunteer-led, non-profit, self-funding Kidz R Us – a community enterprise that hosts activities for more than 500 children in a disadvantaged area every week – in the week before Christmas. Kidz R Us also puts on family and public events as well as organise trips for the children, who mainly come from the Tredegar area but also from Ebbw Vale, Merthyr Tydfil, and Newport. Persimmon Homes East Wales sales director Victoria Williams, commented: “We’re delighted to be support Kidz R Us and their mission to bring enjoyment through performance to children in a disadvantaged area. Community Champions is a scheme that sees Persimmon help out good causes and much-loved organisations, and we have certainly found something that fits the bill in Kidz R Us.” Find out more.

Teachers and pupils at Sir Henry Fermor Primary School got festive-feel-ready for the Polar Express Christmas Fayre thanks to a luxury hamper donation from housebuilder Dandara, who is building new homes at its nearby Braeburn Fields development in Crowborough. The Harvey Nichols hamper, which contained £125 worth of luxury gifts, was raffled off to attendees at the popular annual event. The themed Christmas Fayre gave pupils the opportunity to play games, enjoy arts and crafts activities, and indulge in a section of food and drink, all while having a chance to win plenty of prizes at the raffle. Pupils were even welcomed to wear their pyjamas to the event, in keeping with the theme of the Christmas film. Stuart Galloway, head of sales at Dandara South East said: “It’s great to be able to get involved in such an important event for the school. We hope everyone had a lovely time at the Christmas Fayre and that the winner of the raffle enjoys their hamper!”

West Midlands new homes provider Bromford is reassuring children living in its new homes that they are still on Santa’s list despite having a new address. With many families moving into Bromford’s Shared Ownership properties since last Christmas, the company is ensuring that Santa visits all its new developments this year. Catherine Jarrett, director of sales and marketing at Bromford, said: “With the festive period now in full swing, we want to comfort children and their parents in our new homes that Santa has been informed of their new address. Our West Midlands developments have seen a lot of progress since last Christmas, with many new families moving in within the last 12 months. We know how important Christmas is to families and children especially, so it’s important for us to take every step to make sure they are on his radar.” Among other fundraising projects nationally, employees at Bromford raised over £6,000 for the Move for Mental Health campaign, organised by Movember. Find out more.