Press releases 2007

Drop In lunch gives diners food for thought

25th May 2007

The Salisbury Drop In centre has served up a lunch to some very special visitors.

The centre, which is run by Alabaré Christian Care Centres at the Friary Community Centre, opened its doors to the public for lunch on Thursday (24th).

It was all in aid of the Mayor of Salisbury, Sheila Warrander’s, charity appeal for the Salisbury Drop In Centre.

More than 30 people, including the new Honorary Recorder for Wiltshire, local councillors and of course the Mayor herself, enjoyed Bangers and Mash followed by apple crumble and custard, raising over £300 towards the appeal.

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.

Sheila Warrander, announced that the Salisbury Drop In was to be the focus of her Mayoral Charity Appeal when she was installed as the 746th Mayor in June 2006.

The Drop In lunch event was the last event to be held in aid of her appeal – Sheila’s year as The Mayor of Salisbury comes to an end on 2nd June 2007.

The aim of the appeal was to raise awareness of the work being done by Alabaré and to raise money for an enhanced and possibly permanent Drop In Centre for Salisbury.

During her year in Office Sheila has held numerous fundraising events, including the Sponsored Sleep Out at Salisbury Cathedral in January.

At the lunch Doreen Knight, the manager of the Centre, presented the Sheila with flowers to say thank you on behalf of all of her staff and volunteers.

Sheila says “It is so important that we support the work being done at the Salisbury Drop In Centre; it provides such a vital service to those who use it and you never know if you yourself might need their help one day.”

She added “The last year has been a lot of hard work but it has also been a lot of good fun and has raised a lot of money for a really worthwhile cause.”

-Ends-

For more information call Lara Higgins on 01722 344484.

Notes to editors.

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