Member Article

Housebuilder’s fundraising efforts result in mammoth cheque for local children’s charity

Barratt Homes in Bristol has shown its support for Avalon Camps, by presenting a mammoth cheque for £31,382 to the charity.

The five star housebuilder has been raising funds and awareness for Avalon Camps - after naming it as its official good cause last year.

“Avalon Camps helps many children across Bristol enjoy a wonderful summer adventure under canvas in the countryside,” said Russell Glimstead, managing director for Barratt Homes.

“It is a vital resource, helping those who may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience this type of fun getaway. Our team wanted to do as much as possible to assist. We set a 12 month target of £20,000 - and I’m delighted we’ve been able to eclipse this amount.

“It means more vulnerable children will enjoy much-needed respite. My colleagues had a chance to meet some of them this month, when they presented the cheque at one of this year’s camps.”

Children, aged between seven and nine, who benefit from the charity’s work come from a number of different backgrounds. Some may be exposed to drug or alcohol abuse at home, others may be living in poverty or have single parents who struggle to cope with the pressures of family life. Often they find themselves running the household or looking after their younger brothers or sisters.

Entirely funded through donations and fundraising, the camps involve 150 volunteers and cost around £9,000 a year.

“This is all part of supporting the local communities where we are building new homes,” added Russell. “Avalon Camps helps a number of children living in Bristol, and that is a huge motivating factor for us.”

Avalon Camps director George Osborne, added: “Avalon Camps is absolutely delighted that Barratt Homes in Bristol has chosen to support our charity.

“All too often large organisations are seen to support more high profile charities, so it is all the more gratifying that it has chosen a small local charity like ours. The funds raised will make a real material difference to us and ensure that we can continue to give disadvantaged children from our four Bristol schools a wonderful holiday, in the Somerset countryside, for many years to come.”

One of the Avalon Camp leaders, George, said: “We are blown away by Barratt Homes’ generosity. I’ve been at the camps for the past eight years and I know what a difference this donation will make.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Barratt Homes .