Aurrida’s Summer Fair hailed a huge success

Roll up, roll up....and that’s exactly what folk did in their hundreds – to support the Aurrida House “Summer Fair” on Sunday. 

The sun shone for the event which raised a fantastic £3,154.85 for Aurrida’s Comfort Fund to benefit the children and young people who receive respite at the facility. 

Registered Manager at Aurrida, Sally Flett said: “There was an unbelievable turn out throughout the whole day, with such a lovely atmosphere. We are so grateful for everyone’s support. 

“I would also like to give a heartfelt and special thanks to the staff here at Aurrida who really did go above and beyond coming together and making the fair the success that it was. We, as a team, would also like to say a huge thank you to each and every one of you who came along and supported that day in any way. That includes the stall holders, the entertainers, those who donated raffle prizes and the people who came along and dug deep, especially at this challenging time, to show support for us and the work that we do. 

“Yet another shining example of a community working together.”  

The money raised will bolster the Comfort Fund, which is used to purchase sensory toys, specialist equipment and enable community-based activities for children and young people with additional support needs who attend at the respite care facility in Kirkwall. 

The fair was also a chance to officially open the polytunnel – another fantastic addition to the facility which came about thanks to another community effort, with special mention to Cooke Aquaculture Scotland for their generous financial donation. 

Sally added: “We have been incredibly humbled by the offers of financial assistance and practical help to ensure the polytunnel is now well established and a welcome additional offering for our children and young people. 

“The plants, herbs, strawberries and vegetables are thriving, as are those who are benefiting from its existence. So again, our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved.” 

Robert Peterson, Orkney Area Manager at Cooke Scotland, said: “As a family-owned company we care about supporting the communities we live and operate in. Cooke Scotland’s Community Benefit Fund exists to support a variety of local-led events, activities, and community projects throughout the UK. We are thrilled to fund the Aurrida House polytunnel project to support the wellbeing of the children and young people. 

“Cooke’s core purpose is to cultivate the ocean with care, nourish the world, provide for our families, and build stronger communities.”