DonMentia has really missed our regular outings for carers and those with dementia, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, this has not been possible. The charity Founder, Eileen Harrington, had to think of ways and means the charity could do instead to keep people’s spirits up. Consequently, every month we have been sending out surprise gifts of flowers, afternoon teas, savoury boxes and more, so December’s treat just had to be a Festive Hamper full of goodies to make “Christmas in a basket”. All the items are symbolic of Christmas (eg cake, mince pies, crackers, baubles etc) and, apart from a turkey, there was almost everything to make it a day to remember. All those making the deliveries understood the need for some social interaction on the doorstep to help relieve the loneliness and isolation by staying for a few minutes chat, with masks and observing regulations regarding distances.
The organisation of the hampers started months ago and developed with contributions, assistance and sponsorship from Doncaster Rotary, Flourish Enterprises, Home Instead, Lakeside Village and Spar, Scawthorpe.
Several schools, with classes and children of many ages, created handmade cards with pictures, verses and news to include in the baskets, which were read and thoroughly enjoyed by the people who received them.
All this could not have happened without an army of volunteers who, over many weeks baked, stewed, knitted, crafted, assembled, wrapped and hand delivered all seventy baskets.
Those principally involved were Andy, Aziz, Claire, David, Doreen, Eunice, Geoff, Jackie, Judith, Margaret, Pat, Paul, Rebecca and Stacey. They worked hard at each aspect but loved every bit of it and felt their efforts were fully worthwhile for a deserving group of people.
Here’s looking forward to better times during 2021
Best wishes from Eileen and all of the DonMentia team
