Christmas raffle raises hundreds for Barnsley care home residents

A BARNSLEY care home’s Christmas raffle has raised hundreds of pounds to give elderly residents a trip to remember in 2023.

More than two dozen prizes were up for grabs at the Deangate Care Home competition, which included two tickets to watch Barnsley F.C. at home and a signed football from the players.

The first-place prize was picked up by friend of the care home Nicola Woodward and her eight-year-old son Fred, who is a budding Reds fan and plays for Cawthorne F.J.C  Under 9s.

He said: “Thank you so much. I can’t believe I won the ball. It’s so cool.”

Other prizes were donated by local businesses, including Quality Save Barnsley, Bookers, and Londis Diner in Mapplewell, as well as relatives of residents and staff members.

The residents drew the raffle shortly before New Year’s Day, informing the winners of their success in the first week of new year.

In total, the raffle raised £506 for the residents’ fund, which supports activities and outings for those living at Deangate Care Home.

Residents have already decided they would like to use the funds to take a trip to the seaside – where they can enjoy a traditional fish and chip dinner followed by a 99 by the sea.

Rachael Dawson, home manager at Deangate Care Home, said: “It has been spectacular to see how many people have contributed in several different ways to our Christmas raffle, from providing prizes, donating money, donating services, and purchasing the tickets.

“The money has been raised in a relatively short period of time, so we are honestly overwhelmed with the generosity everyone has shown to our residents.

“The residents couldn’t believe how much had been raised for them. We have had a talk about what they would like to spend their money on and so far it looks like we are going to the seaside when the weather cheers up.

“I would just like to thank everyone that bought a raffle ticket, donated prizes and more than anything wanted to support our residents. I know money is tight, especially at this time of the year, so thank you so much.”