In November, the RightTrack Learning team got together and travelled to volunteer at the Mary Stevens Hospice in Stourbridge.
Our day there gave our normally remote team an opportunity to connect outside of the usual working day and was spent preparing for one of their many fundraising events whilst learning about the important care they provide to patients with incurable or life-limiting illnesses and their families.
We left feeling inspired hearing about their many creative fundraising efforts that support the hospice such as their annual Christmas pantomime and the weekly lottery. However one initiative that struck us the most was The Jigsaw Library, started by Emma Kilbride.
The Jigsaw Library allows not only patients and carers, but anyone in the community to borrow jigsaw puzzles, with the proceeds going to the hospice. In fact, in 12 months they have raised a staggering £20,000 for the hospice!
After learning about the Jigsaw Library and how in need they were of specially adapted puzzles so those living with dementia can join in too, the whole RightTrack team were blown away by Emma’s dedication and passion and were keen to support. So, instead of Christmas cards this year, we decided to donate the entire wishlist of dementia-friendly puzzles to the library.
“This is a gift that will keep giving. The number of people that will benefit from this donation, the dignity that it will give to the community, the joy it will give, the time it will give to carers is priceless. We are incredibly grateful!”
Emma Kilbride, The Jigsaw Library
The cause felt so fitting – the puzzles create connection, creativity and comfort for individuals with dementia and respite for their carers.