As a family run company which went through a tragic disaster last year with the fire in Scalesceugh Hall amidst our refurbishment – we have experienced first-hand the impact a community can make when it comes together to support one another and give selflessly to those in need.
From the fire brigade and local charities, to individuals who came forward with donations of clothes and other items for us and our children when we were forced to move out of our home following the fire - we as a family were, and still are, overwhelmed by the kindness our local community have shown us during difficult times.
To give thanks and return the kindness we have received, we continue to do our best to support our local community in various ways. And at Christmas time, particularly this year as more people face the festive period in isolation, without a job or ill health as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, we understand the importance of giving to charity and the community.
We have previously held several charitable functions from garden fetes to opera concerts, which have been enjoyed by both our residents and the local community. Although sadly this year we have not been able to host such events, we look forward to being able to do so once again in the forthcoming year when we hope to see Covid restrictions lifted.
As CEO of the company, Bruno made a conscious effort to hire self-employed workers during the pandemic, as he knew these people could not be furloughed, and for many, their families were dependent on one income. Several people of different skill bases came from the local area to help with the restoration of our beautiful hall, and it gives us great satisfaction to know that we could help local families during these uncertain times.
As a doctor and key worker, Anita has also been working non-stop this year. She has worked in four counties across the country on first line Covid-19 medical assistance. Despite the challenges, it is greatly rewarding for her to feel she is playing a key role in supporting our NHS throughout the pandemic and ensuring those in need of medical assistance continue to get the support they require.
Our children are also supporting a range of important charities to help out those in need. Cash for Kids is a fantastic charity which offered our children toys after they had lost theirs in the fire. The charity put a smile on their faces during a very dark time. To help out other kids who may be without toys this Christmas, each one of my children are donating toys to Cash for Kids through different B&M shops locally. They have also put together their well-earned pocket money to donate to two charities of their choice - £100 to Crisis and Wateraid.
The pandemic has had significant economic and social impacts on our country and the wider world. In the UK, poverty levels are expected to double as a result of the pandemic with an estimated 2 million families, including a million children, likely to struggle to afford to feed themselves, stay warm, or keep clean as the recession deepens, according to a study conducted by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.
As we remember Christmas as a time of giving, and think of all of those who may be struggling this year, we hope you too will dig deep for your charities of choice or by simply lending a helping hand to those in your community.
We would like to wish you and your family health, happiness, peace and prosperity this Christmas and in the coming New Year, and look forward to welcoming you to Scalesceugh Hall & Villas in 2021.
Bruno and Anita Herdeiro & Family
Owners of Scalesceugh Hall & Villas
Sources: The Guardian
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