SARH starts anniversary year with charity donation
A charity providing support for children mourning the loss of a loved one has received a welcome boost from Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH) during celebrations to mark the social landlord’s tenth anniversary.
During a special meeting for staff and key stakeholders, SARH Chief Executive Karen Armitage handed over a cheque for £3,300 to Crystal Johnson from the Eclipse Child Bereavement Service.
The money was raised by members of the SARH team at a series of community and staff events over the past 12 months after they named Eclipse as their ‘adopted’ charity for 2015.
In previous years, staff and customers have supported the Childhood Cancer Parents Alliance, the Donna Louise Trust and Greenhall Nursery, and the organisation to benefit from fundraising in the housing association’s anniversary year is set to be announced shortly.
Karen Armitage, SARH Chief Executive, explained: “Eclipse does marvellous work helping young people through the most difficult times, and I’m delighted our staff and customers have managed to raise so much for a very worthy cause.
“Alongside our efforts to provide affordable homes for people in Stafford and surrounding areas, SARH is committed to helping build stronger neighbourhoods by supporting organisations that are making a real difference to the lives of people in the communities we serve.”
Staff raised money with a number of special fundraising events throughout the year
The loss of a close family member can be devastating for a child. When youngsters are struggling to come to terms with their grief, there can be many long-term consequences, not least the impact it can have on their education.
To help them through this difficult time, Grief Support Workers use various therapeutic activities, including the use of a ‘memory book’.
Crystal Johnson, a Grief Support Worker at Eclipse, commented: “We are very grateful to everyone at SARH for their generous support over the past year.
“When you see the difference support makes to a child who is struggling as a result of bereavement, it is really moving, and the money raised will help us continue this vital work.”
Pictured top, from left to right, are: SARH Chief Executive, Karen Armitage; Crystal Johnson, a Grief Support Worker at Eclipse; Becki Millar, friend of Eclipse; and Jo Hough, Assistant Director of Organisational Development at SARH.
