UK Firefighters from Folkestone, Kent received a warm welcome at the ARRCC Centre in Tontine Street when they went along to present a cheque for £1,000, raised by the fire station through their annual Christmas charity collections.
This facility is open to the public and offers people with complex needs visiting Folkestone’s creative quarter the opportunity to do so comfortably and make the most of all there is to see in the town, including Triennial artworks. ARRCC has used the money to help fund the renovation of its disabled bathroom, incorporating a manual hoist, height adjustable changing table and a wet room shower.
Folkestone firefighter Sheridan Waitt said: “Each year we nominate a range of local charities and good causes to receive a share of the funds we raise throughout the year from our Christmas collections and other fundraising activities, and this is only made possible by the generous donations from the public.
“We were delighted to be able to help ARRCC Folkestone. It was wonderful to meet the staff, volunteers and visitors and we really appreciated the time that they gave us to show us around the many facilities, services and activities offered by this incredible day centre.”
The cheque was presented by Folkestone crew manager Heather Heath to Trish Bishop and Holly Smith from ARRCC. Holly said: “We are so grateful to the fire crew and the people of Folkestone for the fantastic donation which will enable more people to access to our service. Thank you to the team for taking the time to visit us with the fire truck. Both members and staff enjoyed the whole experience.”
For more information visit www.arrcc.org/folkestone
Firefighters also donated funds to the Rainbow Centre in Folkestone, a charity which offers a range of services in Shepway to provide support and hope to individuals and families experiencing deprivation or hardship.
The centre was presented with a cheque for £750 towards the Folkestone Churches Winter Shelter Project The project runs from December to the end of February and offers emergency accommodation giving vulnerable and homeless individuals in the community access to a safe, warm and dry location, as well as a hot meal during the coldest months of the year.
Crew manager Heather Heath also presented a cheque for £250 towards play equipment and garden furniture at the Rainbow Centre’s preschool, based at the Salvation Army building in Canterbury Road, Folkestone. Trish Simmons, the Pre-School Manager said “On behalf of the Pre-School children, and the members of the Salvation Army Mums and Toddlers group, I’d like to say a huge thank you to the fire crew for coming to see us. The children had a fantastic time, and we’re very excited about our new garden furniture which the donation will help us buy.”
Firefighter Waitt added: “The fire crew had a lovely morning showing the children around the fire engine and passing on basic fire prevention advice.
“We hope that the money we raised and donated to these very good causes will benefit the communities they support for many years to come.”
Find out more about the Rainbow Centre visit www.rainbow-centre.org
Image shows Firefighters with staff, visitors and volunteers at the ARRCC Centre, Folkestone – Courtesy of Kent Fire and Rescue Service
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