Drusillas Hands Over Cheque to Chestnut Tree House

During the course of 2011 Drusillas Park raised £4229.44 for their Charity of the Year, Chestnut Tree House. This week Community Fundraiser, Louise Collins visited the award-winning zoo to thank staff and collect a cheque for the balance.

Chestnut Tree House is the only hospice for young people in Sussex. It offers a home from home environment for children with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses - and their families - and costs over £2.5 million per year to run. Families are never charged for the care and the hospice receives little government funding, so relies almost entirely on the support of the people of Sussex.

Throughout 2011, Chestnut Tree House had an ongoing presence at Drusillas, with collecting tins in the retail outlets and an awareness stand manned by staff and volunteers on certain days during the year. Kune Kune pig, Peppa was also chosen by the charity, with 20% of any adoption proceeds donated to the hospice.
 
Drusillas Park staff undertook fundraising taking part in A Night to Remember - a 10 mile sponsored walk organised by the charity. Members of the zoo team also completed a 50 mile bike ride, starting their journey from Port Lympne Wild Animal Park in Kent before returning to the East Sussex zoo.

Louise commented: “We are so grateful to all the team at Drusillas and all the visitors to the park for supporting Chestnut Tree House.  It has been a fantastic year with lots of fun-filled activities.  We have really enjoyed working with Drusillas and their support has not only raised vital funds to care for the children and families who need Chestnut Tree House, but has raised valuable awareness of the hospice throughout Sussex.  Thank you from everyone at Chestnut Tree House!”

Each year, Drusillas Park support a local cause dedicated to the welfare of children. In 2012 the zoo has chosen Care for the Carers as their official Charity of the Year and hope to provide them with the same level of assistance offered to Chestnut Tree House.

The team based in Eastbourne assist 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. For more information please visit http://www.cftc.org.uk/