Staff and residents buoyed by Littlehampton Waitrose donation

Staff at The Martlets care home, in Fairlands, have praised the people of Littlehampton after their home took almost 60 per cent of the votes during Waitrose’s monthly Community Matters scheme, resulting in a donation of £575 from the store.

The benefits of the financial windfall will be felt by all the home’s 80 elderly residents.

Deputy manager Rachael Staker said: “The level of support we gained was overwhelming. We couldn’t thank everyone enough.

“Obviously, we need to raise funds and awareness of our residents with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

“All the money will be put towards buying new, sensory equipment – which all the residents can use – that shall ,hopefully, help to improve the lives of those at the home.”

Rachael said that the home is already equipped with several light projectors for the residents but she hopes that, in the coming weeks, she will be able to buy other pieces of sensory equipment.

She said: “We’re looking at more tactile sensory equipment that utilises smell and sound, which might help to trigger certain memories for the residents.”

Each month, Waitrose customers and partners come together to nominate three local causes and charities to benefit from the scheme.

At the end of the month, each charity receives a share of a £1,000 total.

The proportion is decided on by the customers visiting Waitrose, in Anchor Springs, who are given green tokens after they shop at the store.

Waitrose Littlehampton branch manager, Andrew Walker, said: “Our Community Matters scheme enables us to contribute directly to Littlehampton’s wellbeing and we are delighted to offer support to so many worthy causes, such as the Martlets care home.

“A few hundred pounds can make a real difference to local causes and Community Matters also helps these projects to raise their profiles for future fund-raising, giving them the opportunity to network and build relationships with one another.

“It’s one way in which we take an active role the community and is an important element of our presence here in Littlehampton.”