A Stafford and Rural Homes tenant who volunteers with Stafford Versus Arthritis helped the charity benefit from a £300 boost to support its great work.
As well as volunteering with the charity, Stafford resident John has also represented his neighbours in a group made up of SARH customers dedicated to building community spirit and improving the environment where they live.
“Through my involvement with that group I learned more about the support that SARH and Housing Plus Group provide for local charities and community organisations,” he explains. “Over the years they have helped a lot of local groups and made a real difference to some of the smaller charities. I made sure that Stafford Versus Arthritis were aware of this and our treasurer submitted a bid for £300 to help fund activities for local people with arthritis.”
The bid was successful and Stafford Versus Arthritis has now received the much-needed funds. The Group normally meets monthly at Sandon Road Baptist Church for activities, mutual help and advice. In lockdown, members have been supporting each other remotely.
John and his wife have been involved with Stafford Versus Arthritis for several years. “We make the tea, run the occasional game of bingo and do what we can to help,” he says. John also keeps busy fundraising and bringing people together as a member of The Oddfellows in Stafford. “We just try to do our bit,” he says, modestly.
“We are really pleased that John put Stafford Versus Arthritis in touch with us and that we were able to help this local group,” said Housing Plus Group chief executive Sarah Boden. “As an organisation, we set out to make a positive difference and supporting community groups is one of the ways that we do that.
“Customers like John are making a difference too; volunteering, bringing people together and helping others.”
As part of our promise to make a positive difference to homes, lives and communities we offer sponsorship to local voluntary groups and organisations across Shropshire and Staffordshire.
To find out more and complete our online sponsorship application form, please visit our Group website.
Caption: John is shown here in a file picture, taken at an event held before the introduction of social distancing requirements.