This month’s winner of our 50th anniversary charity prize draw is George Miles, a purchaser at Shanly Homes’ Compass Fields development in Watford, who nominated Watford Mencap as the recipient of the £2500 donation. The charity supports people with learning disabilities living in South West Hertfordshire, as well as their families and carers by providing them with a range of services and activities, such as canal trips, sports days, art and craft workshops and social clubs. In addition, Watford Mencap runs residential care homes in Chorleywood, Bushey and Rickmansworth.
Having lived just a short walk from the Bushey care home, Hillside, George was witness to the great work routinely undertaken by the charity in an effort to brighten up the day-to-day lives of those living with learning disabilities.
The charity, set up in 1951 by a group of volunteers, will spend the donation on the renovation of Hillside’s garden to encourage residents to spend more time outdoors.
Tamra Booth, Operations Director at the Shanly Group, said: “The Shanly Group is a strong supporter of organisations that help to improve the welfare and quality of life of those most vulnerable in our community, and we are delighted that Mr Miles has selected such a worthwhile cause.”
George Miles, purchaser at Compass Fields, said: “When we were notified of winning the charity prize draw, my wife and I unanimously agreed to nominate Watford Mencap as the recipient of the donation. The staff at the Hillside care home go above and beyond to make the lives of those with learning disabilities better, so it has been great to be able to make such a valuable contribution.”
Amanda Jenshil, Community Fundraiser at Watford Mecap, said: “Living with a learning disability can be very isolating and lonely, so we work hard to make our care homes as welcoming as possible. This donation will mean we can make vast improvements to the garden outside the Hillside care home, creating a more attractive outdoor space for residents to enjoy.”