Generous Gifts From Housebuilders In The Run-Up To Christmas

With Christmas approaching, the WhatHouse.com team thought it a great time to underline how much housebuilder’s do for the communities in which they’re working, and show some examples of their generous donations to a whole range of charities and organisations.

Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes North Scotland has made a £1,500 donation to Look Good Feel Better, a charity dedicated to improving the physical appearance and overall wellbeing of people living with cancer. The donation will enable an additional 30 people undergoing treatment for cancer in the area to attend a workshop at Maggie’s Centre in Aberdeen, which offer a relaxing environment for people to socialise, make friends and talk to others facing similar issues. David Palmer, managing director of Barratt and David Wilson Homes North Scotland, said: “It’s great to hear that the money raised will help support those affected by cancer in Aberdeen and the surrounding areas, providing them with the very best care and support.” Find out more at lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk.

Dandara has donated £4,050 to Breast Cancer Now to help in the fight against the disease which claims more than 11,500 lives in the UK every year. Employees took part in ‘wear it pink’ day on 20 October, organising a host of activities and donating £50 from the sale of each home reserved in October to the charity. The charity’s mission is to make sure that by 2050 everyone diagnosed with breast cancer lives and is supported to live well. The event has raised over £39m since it began in 2001. Find out more at www.wearitpink.org.

Scotia Homes is asking people to visit its developments across the north of Scotland with donations to local children who may otherwise wake up to nothing on Christmas Day. Things such as dolls, scooters, puzzles, arts and crafts and science kits, board games and warm clothes and pyjamas are just a few of the ideas, or cash donations are also welcome. The housebuilder has sites open in Tarves, Oldmeldrum, Brechin West, Blairgowrie, Aviemore and Croy, and marketing offices and show homes are open Thursday to Monday, from 10.30am to 5.00pm. Find out more at cashforkids.org.uk.

Persimmon Homes South West has committed £2,000 to the local museum in Newton Abbot, part of its £700,000-per-annum Community Champions scheme which seeks to leave a positive and lasting legacy in the areas in which it builds. The accessible community building celebrates the heritage of the local area and its people, and is also home to Newton Abbot Town Council, and hosts community rooms for exciting events, workshops and exhibitions. Persimmon Homes South West’s sales director, Stacey Harris, said: “At Persimmon, it is of utmost importance to us to create a positive and enduring impact in the areas where we build. As a responsible developer, we are determined to leave a lasting legacy that enhances the well-being of everyone in Newton Abbot, and we are delighted to support the Museum.”

Lovell has gifted a festive bundle of fun to the school which is located close to its Saxon Square development in Miles Platting. Pupils collected a special post box to write and send letters to the North Pole, sharing what they enjoy most about the holidays and how they plan to spend time with friends and family. Each class has also received creative kits to design and make bird-friendly wildlife wreaths to hang around their playground and outdoor areas. Lovell has also donated 400 selection boxes for children to take home and share with their loved ones. Anne-Marie O’Doherty, regional sales director at Lovell Homes, said: “We are excited to spread a little festive cheer – especially given the cost-of-living crisis – providing some additional classroom crafts and treats to take home.”

Harron Homes has donated 30 pairs of high-quality wellies to the children of Staveley Primary Junior School in Staveley, Chesterfield, close to its Thorpe Meadows development. The school is part of the Outdoor Play And Learning (OPAL) Primary Programme, which aims to encourage creative outdoor play in schools, leading to increased focus in the classroom and the ability for children to regulate their behaviours. Schools applying OPAL's play-focused approach have seen a reduction of recorded behavioural incidents by around 80%. Natalie Griffiths, sales and marketing director for Harron Homes North Midlands, said: “Last year we donated hi-vis jackets to the pupils of Inkersall Primary Academy in Chesterfield to help them during Walk to School Month, and it's great to be able to help out another school this year.”