At Barton Lodge, being part of the local community is incredibly important to us, and we’re always pleased to find ways our home can support causes that make a meaningful difference.
Over the past few months, we have been building a wonderful relationship with New Forest for Ukraine (NFFU), a local charity supporting people affected by the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Learning More About New Forest for Ukraine
Our involvement began when Sandra from NFFU and her mum, Sheila, visited Barton Lodge to talk about the charity and the work they do.
The visit sparked lots of interest and conversation, and since then we have been finding different ways for everyone at Barton Lodge to get involved.
Crafting with a Purpose
One of the lovely things about our partnership is that there are plenty of opportunities to contribute in a hands-on way.
Baby hats and little knitted shoes have been made for newborn babies in Ukraine, while shoeboxes have been decorated using decoupage ready for the charity to fill with useful items and treats. Sue, from our activities team, has also been busy knitting elephants and giraffes for little ones.
These activities have been particularly meaningful because everyone knows that the things they create will go directly towards helping others.
Families have been getting involved too. After sharing more about NFFU at one of our family evenings, we have received several donated items to pass on to the charity.
£200 Raised at Our Love Life Café
Our support continued at a recent Love Life Café, where we were delighted to raise £200 for NFFU.
We were told that it costs around £50 to ship one container, meaning the money raised could help fund the shipping costs of four containers.
Making the contribution even more personal, we will also be able to add our own translated messages to the pallets being sent. We understand that pallets supported by Barton Lodge are planned to go to an older people’s shelter and maternity hospitals.
A Special Certificate of Appreciation
We were also incredibly pleased to receive a Certificate of Appreciation from the charity, recognising Barton Lodge’s ongoing support for the charity.
It was a lovely acknowledgement of the efforts of everyone involved, from those taking part in crafts and fundraising to families donating much-needed items.
We look forward to continuing our work with NFFU and finding more ways for the Barton Lodge community to support their important work.
