Orchard Grove Primary School’s campaign to install a community-accessible defibrillator has received a significant boost, with the Orchard Grove Consortium pledging £1,500 towards the project.
The school, which opened its doors in September, only launched its fundraising appeal in January,
with a target of £2,500 to install a defibrillator in an external cabinet at the school, making it available for both school and community use.
The Orchard Grove Consortium – which consists of leading housebuilders, Taylor Wimpey and Vistry Group, in partnership with South West housing association, LiveWest – learnt of the appeal and were eager to support it, donating £500 each.
Richard Healey, Headteacher of Orchard Grove Primary School, said: “As the Orchard Grove development and our school community grows, this essential lifesaving equipment will be invaluable to have on hand.”
“We are absolutely delighted with this incredibly generous donation,” said Mr. Healey. “Their support means we can now move forward with installing this vital piece of equipment that could one day save someone’s life. This donation shows true commitment to building a real community here at Orchard Grove.”
The Consortium’s contribution reflects their commitment to creating a safe and thriving community in the development, which is set to have 2,000 homes and community amenities when complete.
A spokesperson for the Consortium said: “When we heard of the school’s initiative to install a community defibrillator, we knew we wanted to help. This project exemplifies the community spirit we aim to foster at Orchard Grove, and we’re proud to support such an important safety measure that will benefit both the school and wider neighbourhood.”
Further fundraising
Orchard Grove is part of the Blackdown Education Partnership (BEP), a group of schools throughout Devon and Somerset who work collaboratively to support the children and families they serve. Orchard Grove kickstarted their fundraising with the ‘BEP Big Exercise Promise’ in January, where pupils braved the winter weather to run laps of the playground. This outstanding effort raised over £500, getting the fundraiser off to a decent start and demonstrating the strong local support for the initiative.
Along with the Consortium’s contribution, the appeal has now topped the £2,000 mark, bringing this life-saving equipment within reach. With the total now so close to its target, the school is moving forward with plans to order the defibrillator while continuing efforts to reach its end goal, which will see an external case ordered and installed.
Mr Healey adds, “Thank you to everyone who has taken part and to those who have donated, your efforts have made a huge difference. We really hope pupils and their families, the Orchard Grove community, and the wider area will get behind us and help reach our fundraising goal.”
The GoFundMe appeal is here for anyone keen to support this great cause: https://gofund.me/47e86736
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