Festive cheer for residents of Hull Extra Care

A fundraising initiative to provide hampers for extra care residents has far exceeded expectations with support from KWL workers and members of the public.

Jon Bower, Electrical Supervisor at KWL coordinated an appeal to create Christmas hampers for residents of Hull Extra Care sites which are managed by Riverside. These three new developments in Hull which were funded as part of £80 million investment by Hull City Council and includes Redwood Glades offer residents the chance to maintain independence whilst being supported with a range of care needs. The Riverside charity is especially important to Jon as he explains:

“This project is very close to our hearts, myself and my wife Lauren as her grandparents have lived in the Hull Extra Care Redwood Glades facility. Sadly, Lauren’s Grandma recently passed away and we have been worried about her Grandad who is now living alone. For him and many other residents, it is especially difficult at this time of year but with festive activities cancelled and communal areas closed as a result of Covid, we know the feeling of loneliness is an even greater problem.”

“We wanted to do something that would put a smile on the residents’ faces and remind them, they are not alone. Lauren spoke with the team at Riverside and they came up with the idea of creating a hamper for every resident, filled with Christmas food essentials and treats.”

Community spirit couldn’t be stronger at KWL as the team continues to support charities which have experienced unprecedented financial pressure throughout 2020.

Both KWL and local councillors already work closely with Riverside and Jon’s connection to the facility made it the perfect fit.

The appeal was launched on BBC Radio Humberside and a Facebook group was created, to reassure the public that it was a legitimate and worthy cause. Along with contributions from the local community, KWL donated £500 worth of food items and with all donations added together, each resident will receive a large hamper.

Ruth Westoby, Riverside’s Health and Events Coordinator at Redwood Glades, added:

“We are hugely grateful for the kind and generous hamper donations from KWL. Our residents at Redwood Glades were overjoyed to receive their gifts and it is heart-warming to know that they are being thought of this Christmas.”

Jon adds:

“Community collaboration on this appeal has been great, with such an enthusiastic response from councillors, KWL workers and members of the public who all got involved.”

“This would not have been possible without the enthusiasm of the team at KWL and the amazing generosity of the local community. I’m proud that we can collectively come together and lift spirits through appeals like this.”