Northwood
Shoppers at Waitrose, 52 Green Lane, Northwood are this week (until July 31) being given a chance to donate much needed funds to RNIB Sunshine House School and Children's Home in Northwood.
As part of Waitrose's Community Matters scheme, RNIB hopes that shoppers will put their Waitrose charity coupon in the RNIB slot in store in order to raise £1,000 towards a special sensory theatre. The theatre will help with development and stress relief for children with sight loss and severe complex needs.
Sensory Theatre
Eileen Haffenden, Community Fundraiser for RNIB, says: "We're delighted to be selected for Waitrose's Community Matters scheme. We hope to raise at least £1,000 towards a sensory theatre for the children of RNIB Sunshine House, who are aged between 4 and 11 years and all have severe disabilities and sight loss. The sensory theatre will create a stimulating and therapeutic environment where children and their families can learn, develop, play and connect with their surroundings. We are really hoping that the local community will get on board and help us raise the money for a vital local service."
Emma, mum of Tyler, who attends RNIB Sunshine House School and Children's Home, says: "Tyler joined Sunshine House five years ago. Since then she has really come into her own. The fact that Sunshine House is equipped to deal with all of Tyler's individual needs really is a godsend. A sensory theatre would give essential therapy and a learning experience to children who otherwise might be at a disadvantage."
ENDS
For more information please contact Jess Sweetman RNIB's Media Relations Team on 020 7391 2081, email jessica.sweetman@rnib.org.uk
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Notes to editors:
Case study: Tyler
Before Tyler came to RNIB Sunshine House School and Children's Home she was unwilling to communicate with others and try new things. Tyler would not feel comfortable in surroundings other than being at home. Tyler started Sunshine House in 2004, and since then her mum has seen a tremendous change in her. She now loves swimming and singing and has "come into her own."
According to Tyler's mum Emma: "Tyler has had her problems, and because of these I can sometimes be somewhat overprotective of her, but it is very nice for me to know that each day I am sending Tyler off to a warm, friendly and caring environment. It really is one less thing for me to worry about. The fact that Sunshine House is equipped to deal with all of Tyler's individual needs really is a godsend."
About RNIB
Every day around 100 people in the UK start to lose their sight. There are around 2 million people in the UK with sight problems. RNIB is the leading charity working in the UK offering practical support, advice and information for anyone with sight difficulties. If you, or someone you know, has a sight problem RNIB can help. Call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk
About Waitrose
Launched in 2008, every Waitrose store operates a Community Matters initiative which has donated over £2.7 million to 8,500 worthy causes in 2010/11. Using tokens provided at the till, customers decide how much of a £1,000 monthly total is given to the three local charities or community groups, nominated by customers and selected by Partners. To nominate a charity or cause of your choice please visit your local store and pick up a leaflet.