David Wilson Homes is helping to combat loneliness in Wokingham this Christmas through a joint partnership with Wokingham Borough Council, the LINK Visiting Scheme and Shinfield St Mary’s Church of England Junior School.
Thanks to funding from David Wilson Southern Counties, which is building new homes at Ashridge Grange on Warren House Road, the school’s pupils designed festive greetings cards which will be sent to lonely and vulnerable residents in the borough.
As research reveals that almost four million Britons are classed as chronically lonely, the hand-designed Christmas cards will be delivered to more than 400 peopleas part of a three-year campaign working with the council and the school.
The children were challenged to put their artistic skills to the test to create festive drawings, with four winning creations forming the final design. All 440 Christmas cards will be given to people working with the LINK Visiting Scheme, a charity based in Wokingham borough which provides companionship and support to those on their own during the Christmas period.
The winners were chosen by senior representatives from David Wilson Southern Counties, and announced to the pupils during a ceremony at their school. The winning artists received a framed copy of their card and a gift voucher.
Kimberley Benson, Sales and Marketing Director at David Wilson Southern Counties, commented: “Christmas is a time to stop and think about those who are more in need than ourselves, and sometimes just a small gesture can make a huge impact on another person. It was humbling to see the outpouring of love and kindness from children at Shinfield St Mary’s Church of England Junior School, and their Christmas cards were all so thoughtfully designed it was nearly impossible to choose the winners. We were proud to support Wokingham Borough Council with this essential initiative and hope that our efforts will brighten someone’s day this Christmas.”
Philippa Chan, head teacher at Shinfield St Mary’s Church of England Junior School, adds: “The initiative is an important way to teach the next generation about the value of generosity and thinking of others during the Christmas season. The winning designs included festive gingerbread men, colorful Christmas trees, a snowy landscape, and the all too familiar image of Santa getting stuck in the chimney! It is a joy to think that our children’s work will have such an impact within the local community.”
David Wilson Southern Counties is building brand-new homes in Wokingham, including a number of one and two-bedroom apartments, and two, three and four-bedroom homes at its Ashridge Grange development. Prices at the development start from £259,995 for a one-bedroom apartment.
If you are interested in a new home at Ashridge Grange, please visit the show home onsite or call the sales office on 0333 3558 499. Further information is available at www.dwh.co.uk.