Imperial Charity has reported yet another very successful year with record charitable activities.
The past year has seen the Westbury-based charity award grants and give donations to special needs schools within Wiltshire, but also to organisations such as Alzheimer’s Support for their new centre in Warminster, which has opened this month.
In addition, the ever-popular monthly coach trips saw a total of 1,100 people enjoying a day out to either a coastal resort, places of interest and a Christmas Market.
The other major activity the charity carries out is the provision of entertainment to care and nursing homes throughout the county and the past year has seen a total of 258 performances organised and financed.
Individuals in need continue to be supported by heavily-subsidised items of furniture required to set themselves up in their accommodation.
Bob Summerfield, business manager, said that this continued high level of activity has been made possible not only by the hard work of all members of staff and volunteers, but by the continued generosity of donors who donate their high quality unwanted items to the charity’s Westbury shops in Warminster Road and the High Street. Also, the charity’s reputation for high quality goods at very reasonable prices in both their shops is spreading and people are visiting more frequently, even travelling from some distance away.
Bob said the new financial year has started well with the exciting news that Edington Priory has selected them to be their charity of the month, with all the benefits that can bring. He said he is hopeful that after giving a short talk about the charity at their service on Sunday 6th May, the congregation may have felt disposed to fill the collection plate a bit more!
Coincidentally, the charity has also been selected by Waitrose in Warminster to be one of their good causes for the month, which hopefully will also raise funds that Imperial can put towards their activities.
Bob said it goes without saying that he would encourage everyone to pop into Waitrose and drop their green token in the charity’s slot when they have completed their shopping. He went on to say that the charity is so very grateful to have been selected by the Priory and Waitrose and feel proud to receive this recognition.
The new season’s coach trips have started well, with tickets selling out within two days. As much as the charity would like to provide extra capacity, it has not been possible to acquire more than the three coaches per month that are currently provided.
All members of staff are hopeful that the level of donations will be maintained this coming year. As Bob said, they can never get enough of the quality items they require from clothing, bric-a-brac, white goods and furniture etc and would like to remind everyone that volunteers for the charity can collect all items at a convenient time and also of course deliver any items purchased.
For more details visit Imperial’s shops in Warminster Road and High Street, Westbury or call 01373 826826.
