The gift of friendship: funding success for Cameron House
19 January 2024
Friendship is something that we all need. Some friends come along to teach us new lessons, some to challenge us, some to brighten up our days, whilst others are a pillar of support. Cameron House, our specialist dementia care home in Inverness is fortunate to have such friendship through The Friends of Cameron House. The group fundraise on the home’s behalf, maintain the sensory garden, provide gifts for service users at Christmas and organise events for residents. Cameron House is close to their hearts as many of them are relatives of former service users. Last year, through their support and a successful funding bid, Cameron House received a significant donation from the Highland Cross.
Each year, the Highland Cross raises funds with their 50mile duathlon, which raised £329,378 in 2023. From this, beneficiaries are selected from the year’s funding applications. Cameron House was one of five main beneficiaries selected in 2023. From the Highland Cross' generous donation, Cameron House was able to purchase a new minibus. The bus is currently being manufactured and is expected to arrive at the home in March 2024. This gift will reintroduce adventures back into the lives of residents by enabling Cameron House to facilitate outings and transport residents and their families to various destinations. Particularly important, is the opportunity the minibus presents to retain a measure of ‘normality’ in residents’ lives and with that normality comes a great measure of dignity. Many residents need time to process information therefore assisting them to climb in, sit down and put a seat belt on can be time-consuming and compromises their dignity. Having their own transport removes the need to rush which minimises anxiety and instead reassures residents and increases their confidence.
The 39th Highland Cross presentation was held on 23 November 2023 for beneficiaries, volunteers and supporting organisations. In attendance were, Mrs Linda Hughson, a member of the Friends of Cameron House and Margaret Morrison, the Activities Coordinator at Cameron House. Speaking to the room Mrs Linda Hughson expressed her gratitude:
My Daughter in law is American and today they will be celebrating Thanksgiving. I was invited to join them but was delighted on this occasion to decline as I had a very significant Thanksgiving of my own to attend.
Tonight, on behalf of the Residents and Staff at Cameron House and the Friends of Cameron House I would like to thank every single competitor who submitted themselves to the discipline of training so hard to compete in the event that has made this gift possible.
I want to thank the magnificent organisation that is the Highland Cross for their generosity in guiding us through the funding process with such a very happy outcome.
If I can particularly mention Calum, Hamish, Lorraine and Joanne for their wisdom and help in identifying the right vehicle for us.
Frankly, a simple thank you seems a totally inadequate response to the kindness and generosity of the Highland Cross in awarding us this new vehicle.
Mrs Linda Hughson, member of the Friends of Cameron HouseA great thank you to the Friends of Cameron House and the Highland Cross for their contributions, which have undeniably changed the lives of our staff and residents in Cameron House.
