Court Lodge residents deliver Easter joy to community foodbank

Big-hearted residents at Court Lodge, gathered chocolate treats, filled gift parcels and delivered an Easter surprise to their local foodbank.

A party from Court Lodge travelled across Lymington to the New Forest Basics Bank with items donated by families and friends of residents and team members.

They handed over dozens of chocolate rabbits, Easter eggs, sweets and Easter-themed toys to help local families in need.

Residents spoke of their joy in going hands-on to help with the initiative.

100-year-old Margaret Honeyman said: “I enjoyed being part of the drop-off, being so local and such a good cause.”

Lesley Saunders said: “It was great to be a part of this and being able to help our own local people in need.”

Brenda Corfe said: “It has been a really lovely thing to do and all for a good cause.”

Residents were accompanied on their trip to the foodbank by Court Lodge Companionship Team Leader Julia Puia.

Julia said: “We enjoyed having a look around and finding out more about how the foodbank works.

“They were extremely grateful to us helping out this Easter and we would love to continue to support them.

“We’re also planning to have our own mini foodbank at Court Lodge and they absolutely loved that idea.”

Based in the Cannon Street East Car Park in Lymington, the New Forest Basics Bank distributes non-perishable food, personal hygiene items and basic household essentials to families in need.

There were Easter activities at our other care homes too, some of which had a fundraising element for charities supported by residents and staff.

Children from nearby schools and nurseries enjoyed Easter egg hunts at Avon Reach in Mudeford, Brook View in West Moors and the Winchester homes St Catherines View and Abbotts Barton.

Belmore Lodge in Lymington hosted an ‘Easter Eggstravaganza’ for families and friends of residents and staff. It featured a balloon modeller, face painting and various crafts.

Bourne View in Poole held an ‘egg hunt with a twist’ for children from St Joseph’s Primary School who had to solve riddles called out by residents to progress to each stage and find the chocolate treats.

At Wellington Grange in Chichester, residents welcomed youngsters from the local Little Pioneers nursery for games and craft activities. Together, young and not so young spent time in conversation as they made bonnets for an Easter parade.