Funds raised through a successful community raffle organised at Foley Court are continuing to benefit residents, with the total now standing at 2,547.
The fundraising initiative, led by resident Anne McAulay-Edmond, was set up to support future social events for residents at Foley Court. The event brought together residents, volunteers and members of the wider community in a celebration of local talent and generosity.
Debra Stewart, retirement housing manager with Bield Housing and Care, said she was delighted to see how the funds are already being used.
She said: As the local manager I am more than happy to see the tenant group can put the funds to good use.
Encouraging the tenants to get the best use of the funds and to ensure all tenants at Foley benefit from the funds is really important, and currently the tenants have a few ideas on what they would like to do or purchase.
She added that residents have already enjoyed the benefits of the fundraising, with events held to celebrate Halloween, Christmas and Valentines Day: The day itself was a huge success, with great community spirit and a fantastic turnout.
Everyone came together to ensure it was a great day. All the hard work, not only by Anne and Christine, but also staff and friends from the community, made the efforts all worthwhile.
These funds help all our tenants stay as healthy as possible and allow them to live independently in their tenancies.
The fundraising event itself included musical entertainment from Keys, followed by Fiona Shaw founder of Ballianlay Choir and chair of Bute Arts Society who delighted residents with a programme of Scottish and light operatic songs. The afternoon ended on a high note with a 1960s and 1970s sing-along led by the Bute Ukulele Band.
The raffle was drawn by Jacqueline Campbell, area manager with Bield Housing and Care, who travelled from Inverness for the event, while the main draw was conducted by Stewart Shaw.
More than 50 prizes were on offer, including three pairs of tickets for the Waverley, an open-top bus tour and alpaca tours.
Fiona Shaw brought the event to a close with a stirring rendition of Climb Every Mountain from The Sound of Music.
With the success of the raffle and the strong community backing it received, further resident-led activities and events are already being discussed in the retirement housing complex, ensuring Foley Court continues to be a vibrant and supportive place to be.
