Press Release

Former Mayor of Salisbury makes a meal of it...

Alabaré’s Salisbury Drop In Centre is hosting a special lunch to say thank you to the former Mayor of Salisbury, Sheila Warrander.

Sheila chose the Salisbury Drop In Centre for her Charity Appeal during her year in office (06/07) which raised more than £63,000.

A Celebration Lunch is being held on Thursday 6th December at 12:30pm where Sheila will be presenting her cheque to the Drop In Centre’s Manager Doreen Knight.  Guests will also enjoy a typical Drop In feast of fish fingers and mash followed by jam roly-poly and custard.

During the lunchtime event, Drop In Manager Doreen will also be presented with the keys to the Friary Community Centre.  This is to mark the fact that Alabaré has taken over full control of the lease for the next five years, which will begin in January 2008.

Mrs Warrander, a volunteer with Alabare for many years, is aware of the excellent work of the Centre providing, food, clothing and most importantly, someone to listen and talk with and offer advice.  Throughout her year in office Sheila and her team, led by Christine Woodworth-Batho, organised many events and raised over £63,000 for the Appeal. £22,000 came from the sponsored Sleep Out at Salisbury Cathedral alone!

A portion of the money will be spent improving the facilities at the Friary Community Centre – decorating and fitting a new kitchen etc.  The remainder will be used to secure a more permanent future for the Drop In Centre.

Mrs Warrander said “I am delighted with the amount of money contributed by the public to the Mayor’s Appeal for such a worthy cause.  This money will enable them to continue to provide this vital service to homeless and vulnerable adults.”

She added “We need to support the work that Alabaré does for the vulnerable and homeless; none of us know when we ourselves may need to call on them for help.”

Tickets to the event cost £10 and are available by calling Yvonne Way on 08450 78 68 08 or emailing y.way@alabare.co.uk

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For more information or to arrange an interview call Lara Higgins on 01722 344484

Alabaré Christian Care Centres is a regional charity, providing a range of services including supported housing, floating support services, drop-in centres, information, advice and training services and a registered care home.  The charity works with the homeless, ex-offenders, young people, individuals with a learning difficulty, vulnerable women and people with drug and alcohol problems, aiming to assist them with realising their potential and becoming valued members of society.  www.alabare.co.uk

The Salisbury Drop In Centre is a warm and welcoming safe daytime shelter for vulnerable adults who are homeless, facing homelessness and living in unsuitable accommodation.  They provide hot meals and drinks, showers, laundry facilities and a clothing exchange service.  They also offer support and advice on housing and employment.