18 August 2022
Residents at a retirement development in Thirsk found out that kindness costs nothing when their local community stepped up to help them in their time of need.
Residents at FirstPort-managed Rowan Court have recently benefitted from the community spirit of two local organisations – Thirsk Army Cadets and their local branch of Tesco, with each act seemingly small, but making a huge impact.
A shady spot
Six Thirsk Army Cadets, along with their two instructors, visited the development to support the Development Manager to put up a gifted marquee, providing much-welcome shelter to elderly residents who are vulnerable to the heat, as temperatures across the country soar.
Andrea Brazil, FirstPort Development Manager, said:
“My residents love to use the communal gardens to socialise and enjoy their surroundings. I wanted to help them make the most of it in all weather over summer.”
She added:
“It was also perfect opportunity for the young cadets to engage with their local community and learn a thing or two from their elders in the process. We are so grateful to the Thirsk Army Cadets for giving up their time to help”.
Every little helps
Proving every little really does help, the local Tesco store in Thirsk responded immediately to the development’s plea to replace their somewhat old and frail shopping trolley, used by residents to help their weekly shop into their homes. Knowing how much residents relied on this to transport bits from the communal entrance to their own front door, via the lift, Tesco were happy to oblige.
Andrea commented:
“Who would have thought a humble shopping trolley could be so popular with residents? When we realised ours was on its last legs, we reached out to our local Tesco, and they couldn’t have been more helpful. It may only be a shopping trolley but for some of our residents it’s the difference between being able to live independently and not.”
Jane Harston at Tesco, Thirsk, commented:
“We are delighted that we could help the residents at Rowan Court. We’re always keen to support our local community wherever we can, so we’re pleased to hear the new trolley is a big hit.”
