In 2012 Drusillas Park raised £1297.66 for their Charity of the Year, Care for the Carers. This week Young Carers Manager, Cheryl Butler visited the award-winning zoo to thank staff and collect a cheque for the balance.
Care for the Carers offers invaluable support to some of the most challenged young people in our community. The Young Carers team work with 8 -19 year olds, who provide substantial physical or emotional care for a member of their family. The service offers one-to-one support, as well as activities, clubs and trips which allow
the children to have a break from their responsibilities and enjoy being young.
Throughout 2012, Care for the Carers had an ongoing presence at Drusillas with collecting tins in the retail outlets as well as a permanent display cabinet at the Park. Serval cat, Kariba was chosen by Care for the Carers to represent them at the zoo with 20% of any adoption proceeds for her donated to the charity. Drusillas also undertook fundraising on behalf of the charity, with money collected during a staff quiz night and donated by customers at the new Winter Wonderland attraction at Christmas.
Managing Director, Christine Smith presented a cheque to Care for the Carers’ Cheryl Butler on behalf of Drusillas Park. Cheryl commented: “We are extremely grateful to Drusillas for their support over the past year. The funds raised will enable several young carers to attend the young carers’ festival in Southampton. The young carers have the opportunity to experience various activities throughout the weekend and meet other young carers from around the country. For many this will be the only break away they get. “
Managing Director, Christine Smith added: “Drusillas was delighted to support Care for the Carers during 2012 and to help raise valuable funds for this extremely worthwhile charity. We are now looking forward to supporting Variety the Children’s Charity in 2013.”
Each year, Drusillas Park supports a cause dedicated to the welfare of children and in 2013 the zoo has chosen Variety; the Children’s Charity as their official Charity of the Year. Variety believes every child should have the chance to enjoy their childhood and be given the opportunity to realise their unique potential regardless of disability or disadvantage. Their commitment to support those children who need help to triumph over the challenges of disability, illness and disadvantage spans over 60 years.
