Harpenden mums hold fundraiser for the homeless
TWO Harpenden mums raised more than �1,000 for a homeless shelter by holding an open house. Friends Bernadette Heaney and Juliet Mackney organised the event in support of Open Door in St Albans, which helps around 30 people a month and has assisted more t
TWO Harpenden mums raised more than �1,000 for a homeless shelter by holding an open house.
Friends Bernadette Heaney and Juliet Mackney organised the event in support of Open Door in St Albans, which helps around 30 people a month and has assisted more than 7,000 people since it opened in 1993.
They were spurred on to do so after learning that 17 to 25-year-olds are those worse affected by homelessness.
Juliet welcomed people into her home in Wood End Road to enjoy a range of tantalising food and activities throughout the day, laid on with the help of her and Bernadette's friends.
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During the morning more than 60 bacon butties, teas and coffees were sold to their guests, who included local builders carrying out work along the road.
Friends arrived laden with homemade cakes and cookies for the cakes stall and local businesses dropped by to hand over last-minute gift vouchers to add to the raffle prizes which already ranged from massages, dinner for two and personal training sessions to flowers, complimentary haircuts and paintings.
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Another friend was busy carrying out manicures on the guests with all the proceeds going to Open Door, which is run by Hightown Praetorian and Churches and based in Bricket Road, St Albans.
There was also a full programme of talks and demonstrations on subjects including flower arrangement, gardening and how to create an authentic Indian curry from scratch.
Juliet said: "It's the high quality and the quantity of raffle prizes, along with the level of professionalism of the talks and demonstrations that made the day a great success, and, of course, the generosity of all of our friends."
Bernadette, who recently visited Open Door to meet volunteer coordinator Valerie Wills, said: "Our children are lucky - we will always be here to offer them support and guidance, but what about those less fortunate? Where can they actually go? Often these young people are frightened, confused, unwell and in need of help."
Open Door chair of trustees, Margaret Lewis, attended the day and commented on the outstanding generosity and kindness of the women hosting and organising the day, and was delighted to see the friendly people of Harpenden giving so much for such a worthy cause.
