A DROP-IN centre in Dundee that provides play services for disabled children, young people and their families, has thanked its local community for their festive generosity after more than trebling their standard income.
On the approach to Christmas, The Yard, at Rainbow House in the city’s Drumlanrig Place, managed to raise £14,500 compared to a more typical £4000 over the same period.
During the fundraiser families could order a personalised video or letter for their child from Santa for just a few pounds.
The video also featured “Signalong” or “Makaton”, signing used by people with additional speech, language and communication needs. As well as donations from families, it also received numerous standalone donations. Although it is closed because of Covid restrictions, The Yard, which opened in 2015, usually offers creative and adventurous play for children and their families in Dundee, Kirkcaldy and Edinburgh.
Development manager Gill Thomson said: “Christmas was undoubtedly very different last year, particularly for children who could normally enjoy parties and grotto visits. Fundraising was also very different, with no supermarket, school fete or church collections, but thanks to the generosity of our local community, we can be there for disabled children and their families as we welcome this new year.
“For now, that needs to be online support but we can’t wait to welcome families back into our centres in the weeks ahead.”
Nicola, Ross and three-year-old Leo Donnelly are one of the families looking forward to restrictions being lifted. Leo, who was born at 26 weeks, has cerebral palsy and visual impairment. Having become regulars at The Yard last year, his mother was already starting to see changes in her son.
She said: “We enjoyed all of the usual baby and toddler activities with Leo like baby sensory, soft play and swimming but, as he grew, so did the gap between him and his peers.
“We realised he needed more care but also an environment where he could be himself, enjoy a safe space and just thrive.
“The first thing that struck me about The Yard was how welcoming and enthusiastic the staff were. Beyond an initial application form, we didn’t have to explain anything or download our story, which can be so hard for families to do again and again. We were accepted from the word ‘go’.
“The staff really know how to get the best out of Leo and tell us he’s making real progress, becoming bolder and trying new things, things he might not do at home.”
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