Northamptonshire housebuilder donates £1,500 to charity supporting young people with learning disabilities

David Wilson Homes has donated £1,500 to Oundle Mencap Holidays, a charity that offers a week-long residential summer holiday for children and young people aged eight to 18 with learning disabilities.

Every August, the charity welcomes 40 holiday makers, 50 junior volunteers, 25 senior volunteers, 12 group leaders and 10 members of the specialist support team. The volunteers arrange a vibrant mix of on-site activities including, arts and crafts, music, climbing, and archery as well as exciting trips out to the seaside and local theme parks.

Lily Postlethwaite, Fundraising Co-ordinator at Oundle Mencap Holidays, said: “We were absolutely thrilled to learn that we would be receiving this donation. This very generous £1,500 will make a significant difference to our charity, which is volunteer-run and relies entirely on grants from trusts and small-scale fundraising throughout the year.

“We would like to thank David Wilson Homes from the bottom of our hearts for choosing Oundle Mencap Holidays for this donation. Our charity brings joy not only to the children we support, but also to their families and the dedicated volunteers who give their time and expertise.”

The central aim of the charity is to create a safe, fun, inclusive and engaging environment that offers stimulating learning experiences for every holiday maker. The impact of the week is far-reaching for the holiday makers and their families, who enjoy a valuable respite from direct care.

In addition, its volunteers gain a deeper understanding and a fresh perspective on disability, as well as invaluable life skills, in particular patience and how to properly communicate with others.

David Wilson Homes’ donation was made through its Community Fund scheme via The Barratt Redrow Foundation. It is designed to support national and local charities, large and small, across the UK to leave a legacy in the communities in which the housebuilder operates.

Ben Kalus, Managing Director at David Wilson Homes South Midlands, said: “We are thrilled to be able to support Oundle Mencap Holidays and help provide an invaluable experience for young people.

“As a housebuilder, we remain committed to supporting charities within the communities we build. It has been incredibly rewarding to see this charity’s gratitude and the meaningful difference they are making.”

The charity, which is located near the developer’s River View at Oundle development, received £1,500, providing significant funding as it costs around £60k to put on this week-long holiday for 40 holiday makers each year and the grant received helps to fund children’s places on the week.

To learn more about the charity, visit the website at Oundle Mencap Holidays.