Aurrida’s call for help to “grow” funds for a polytunnel are answered

The community spirit in Orkney has been praised by those behind a fundraising effort for a polytunnel at AurridaHouse in Kirkwall.

Generous donatorshave been keen to supportthe "growth"in confidence and outdoor experiencesof thechildren andyoung peopleatAurridathrough the creation of awheelchair-accessible polytunnel within the grounds of the facility in Kirkwall.

AurridaHouse provides a flexible short break service for children and young people with a learning disability and/or additionalsupport needs.

Cooke Aquaculture Scotland, one of the leading producers of Scottish salmon, and the largest producer of organic Scottish salmon, donated £8,000 towards to the cost of the project.

Robert Peterson, Orkney Area Manager at Cooke Aquaculture Scotland, said: "As a family-owned company we care about supporting the communities we live and operatein. Cooke Aquaculture Scotland's Community Benefit Fund exists to support a variety of local-led events, activities, and community projects throughout the UK. We are thrilled to fund the AurridaHouse polytunnel project to support the wellbeing of the children and young people.

"Cooke's core purpose is to cultivate the ocean with care, nourish the world, provide for our families, and build stronger communities."

The Ronald Slater Charitable Trust, The Robertson Ness Trust, Certas- Scottish Fuels have provided support of between £1,000-1,500 each. Materials have kindly been donated byKeith Foubister in Deerness, Rodney Hume in Holm, MacGregors, AggregatesandHISwith other businesses supplying materials at a reduced cost.In all, around £11,500 has been raised.

A generousdonation was madeby a family in the county whose daughter, Abbie Jackson, benefitedfrom respite at Aurridafrom the age of two untilher sad passing in November2023,at the age of 23. Abbie's parents, Karen and Dave, and brother Scott, generously decided that donations raised in Abbie's memory at the funeral would be gifted to Aurrida'sComfort Fund. St Colmshave been asked to build the furniture to go outside the polytunneland furniture for inside will also be purchased.

The polytunnel will enable the young people, supported by staff, to enjoy year-round gardening, which is known to be beneficial for people's wellbeing, physical and mental health.

Senior Social Care Worker at Aurrida, Sarah Muir, explained that visitsto the Balfour's polytunnel had planted the seed.

"It was during these visits that we observed the children's positive reactions.We could see them visibly calming and relaxing in the warmth of the space."

The children and young people at Aurridahavealready had an introduction to gardening but this is set to grow with the new polytunnel in place.

"We havebeen busy sowing seeds,growing seedlingsandvegetables, planting strawberry plants as well asedible plants and herbs in tubs and containers.Last summer the children picked their own carrots and were able to follow the process from garden to table which in turn encouraged the children to take an interest in their food, even trying new things - something that can be very tricky for children with sometimes very complexneeds."

Staff have also found the physical element to be greatly beneficial.

"The polytunnel will allow us to still get outside and enjoy gardening while under cover - something that is a necessity here in Orkney, especially during the winter months!Thanks to all the money raised we have been able to add an irrigation system to the plan, and the purchase of gardening tools, plantsand seeds.

"The community spirit has been heartwarming,and we are very gratefulto all who have donated in any way to help make this dream become a reality.The new and improved garden area will benefitmany more children and young people, and staff, for years to come."

Builder, Martin Wick, is installing the polytunnel and it is planned to have an officialopening to coincide with the AurridaSummer Fair eventin June.

There will be lots of fun at the fair, with plans for birds of prey, a gymnastics display, live music, stalls, a raffle, hot food.More details will be shared near the time.

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