Member Article

South West builder to help children as charity of the year announced

A builder is launching a regional fundraising drive to help a charity which champions children’s play.

Exeter-based Persimmon Homes South West has chosen Play Torbay as its charity of the year and hopes to raise thousands of pounds for the cause throughout 2014.

Play Torbay is a small, voluntary sector organisation which offers free play opportunities and adventure activities for youngsters. The charity also has a team of experienced inclusion workers to support disabled young people so they do not have to miss out on adventure and play opportunities.

The charity is currently helping three communities across Torbay develop their own adventure playgrounds so that children and families can get outside.

Nina Hester, sales and marketing director for Persimmon Homes South West, said: “We heard about their work through one of our sales advisors whose son has Asperger’s syndrome. She was full of praise for the benefits the charity has brought to her family and we thought it would be a wonderful cause to support.

“The work that Play Torbay is engaged in is truly inspiring and we really hope that, through our fundraising drive, we can help boost their activities. Throughout the year we will have a fundraising programme in place.”

Jemma Collins, finance officer and play inclusion co-ordinator for Play Torbay, said: “We are delighted and very grateful that Persimmon Homes has chosen to support our charity.

“We advocate for the right of every child to play freely and we work tirelessly to raise funds to support disadvantaged and disabled children to have access to whatever play opportunities they choose. A large part of the funds we raise goes toward a play inclusion team to support any child who needs additional support.

“Being charity of the year with Persimmon Homes will help us reach even more children, and will really make a difference to their lives and provide them with lots of exciting things to do for free in their free time.” The charity also provides training for play workers and volunteers who work with children and young people.

For more information visit www.persimmonhomes.com.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Lee Southen .