Charity Fundraising

Alderwood is committed to raise money for charities in The Gambia. They were chosen following a visit by Anita Smart, Strategic Director & Head of Residential Services. An ex-employee of the company, Glenda Birse, currently lives within close proximity of the chosen charities which allows us to have regular updates as to how the money is being spent and she can also alert us to any difficulties they are experiencing. Many of the Alderwood staff make a regular monthly donation directly from their wages, whilst others organise fund raising events throughout the year. The Directors match staff donations and respond to specific requests for resources i.e. mosquito nets.

Hart House

Hart House provides residential short term respite care for children with learning difficulties to give families a break from caring and to assess the children's development levels. They encourage the children to reach their full potential by offering a varied and stimulating programme of activities. Hart House also liaises with other organisations involved in similar work and promotes awareness of children with learning difficulties by involving the local community. Hart House desperately needs support and Alderwood has already assisted with the purchase of mattresses, mosquito nets and rice.

Click here to visit the official Hart House Gambia website

Midwifery Clinic

Marie Joof runs a small midwifery clinic and when Alderwood first became involved it was a very basic facility without a clean water supply and desperately needing roof repairs to the small 'birthing' area.

Alderwood directors and staff have raised money to purchase vitally important malaria tablets, make general repairs to the building and to help stock a small pharmacy. They have just secured the employment, for one year, of a trainee midwife to assist Marie.

GAPD Gambia Association for Physical Disabilities/Tailor's Workshop

GAPD is the National Organization of the Physically Disabled created in 1983 to advocate and promote measures for their integration in the mainstream of the Gambian society. Persons with Physical disabilities are undoubtedly doubly disadvantaged by poverty and disability and are often the poorest of the poor. Traditionally, they are excluded from opportunities available to others, for example, access to education, skills training and employment.

GAPD advocates for the creation of an enabling environment through the promotion of equal rights and full participation of physically disabled people in national development and to seek opportunities for the individual development of members.

Alderwood has supported the Tailor's Workshop by purchasing an embroidery and finishing machine and assisting with the refurbishment of the workshop.

Glosaid Foundation - Roots Nursery School, Madiana Village

Glosaid is a registered charity for rural poverty alleviation. Their main aim is to help education in The Gambia and are based in Gloucestershire and The Gambia. Alderwood have sponsored eight children at the Roots Nursery School in Madiana Village to secure one years education. School uniforms have also been purchased for 30 children from the Tailor's Workshop (as detailed above).

Click here to visit the official Glosaid website

Rushden Night Shelter

In addition to the charities in The Gambia, Alderwood are currently collecting clothing, non perishable food and toiletries for the Rushden Night Shelter. The Full Gospel Church in High Street South, Rushden, Northamptonshire converted part of their building (which used to be a school) into a night shelter in 2008 for homeless people. The project is overseen by Rev. Mark Lees and Shelter Manager Paul Rickard. They have a 4 bed unit and a support service for the whole homeless and vulnerable community within our society.

Click here to read about Rushden's Night Shelter.

Andy Green's Land's End to John O'Groats Walk

Andy Green, whose company AC Green Electrical has a long association with Alderwood, walked from Land's End to John O'Groats with his dog Alfie. The walk started on April 11th 2010 and finished on June 15th - a total of 1013.15 miles! Andy kindly agreed to give money raised through sponsorship and donations received on route to the Glosaid Foundation (see above). As Alderwood has a registered school we felt it was a fitting choice and are very grateful to Andy (and Alfie!) for their support.

Click on this link to read all about it

If you would like any further information about the charities we support or you would like to help in any way please telephone the Ecton Head Office (01604 811838).