The McCarthy Stone Foundation has provided a welcome boost ahead of the Christmas period for Dorchester-based organisation, Volunteer Centre Dorset, to help support its 'Company at Christmas' and 'CasterFridge' community projects.

Company at Christmas offers a Christmas meal, a gift hamper, and conversation on Christmas Day to isolated elderly people who would otherwise spend the day alone, with volunteers from the centre making the deliveries in person.

The Casterfridge project aims to reduce the amount of food waste thrown away by shops and supermarkets. Through the Dorchester community fridge, the team accepts food donations from companies that would ordinarily have gone to landfill but is still perfectly edible. This has both helped support the environment, as well as provide food parcels to local food banks, the homeless and other local people in need.

In a bid to make Christmas a little brighter this year, the McCarthy Stone Foundation has given Volunteer Centre Dorset a £500 donation, which will help the team continue its vital work.

Issy McGowan, business and marketing lead at Volunteer Centre Dorset, said: "All of our community projects are really important to us, but the Company at Christmas and Casterfridge initiatives are particularly crucial at this time of year.

"Christmas can often be an isolated time, so it's vital we help our members feel connected in any way we can. Due to the ongoing effects of Covid-19, it is now more important than ever to offer our support and ensure their Christmas time is a little bit more enjoyable. We're delighted to receive the grant from McCarthy Stone Foundation as it will go a long way in helping those who often struggle over the festive period, and we'd like to say a huge thank you to the team for their support."

The McCarthy Stone Foundation is the independent, registered charity of the UK's leading developer and manager of retirement communities, McCarthy Stone, which has the Casterbridge Court development in Dorchester. It aims to build long-term partnerships with charities and organisations who support the wellbeing of older people, the educational needs of young people and the urban regeneration of communities by providing much-needed financial grants, volunteers, and other resources.

Graeme Marsh, foundation manager at the McCarthy Stone Foundation, said: "We really wanted to show our support to the community of Dorchester, particularly those who are feeling lonely or isolated, or are facing some difficult times. Christmas is a time of year that should be enjoyed by everyone, no matter what their circumstances are. The Volunteer Centre Dorset is such a wonderful charity, and the dedicated team of volunteers work so hard to offer their support, week after week. We are thrilled that our donation will help make a difference as they continue their brilliant work."

Those interested in finding out more about the McCarthy Stone Foundation are invited to visit https://mccarthyandstonefoundation.org