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A sheltered housing complex in Ongar was chosen by the local branch of Sainsbury’s to benefit from the company’s 150th birthday celebrations.
Residents of Frank Bretton House, in High Street, Ongar have been enjoying the company and hard work of staff members who were granted time off to volunteer for community projects.
Gardening and flower planting, afternoon tea and a roast Sunday lunch were some of the things the team provided.
Birthday celebrations
Store manager Lisa Osborne said that as part of the birthday celebrations Sainsbury’s allowed each store to allocate 150 hours of volunteering to their local communities.
“We decided we wanted to do something for our local elderly people. Staff chose to support Frank Bretton House because they know so many of the residents from shopping in the store.
“More staff got involved with each activity,” said Lisa.
“It’s not just about what we are doing, but also about the company it provides for residents. It’s great to sit and chat with them and learn a little about their lives. I was amazed how much bubbly we got through at the afternoon tea, but everybody enjoyed themselves.”
Communal garden
Resident Phillip Ford, speaking on behalf of his friends and neighbours said it was extremely kind of staff at Sainsbury’s to spend time with them planting up the communal garden and serving afternoon tea and Sunday lunch.
“It was a generous thing to do and I would like to thank them on behalf of everyone at Frank Breton House,” he said.