23
Nov
Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal: 'Henshaws is where I feel happy, creative and Christmassy!'
The Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal is aiming to raise £5,000 to help fund two new creative workshops at Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre in Knaresborough.
By donating to our appeal, you will be giving the gift of creativity to adults with sight loss and other disabilities who are on Henshaws’ waiting list.
People like Olivia, who has flourished since joining the centre.
'Christmas is Olivia’s favourite time of year'
A bubbly 23-year-old who radiates warmth, energy and joy, Olivia loves nothing more than chatting, laughing and creating art at Henshaws.
The Arts and Crafts Centre has helped Olivia discover her hidden creative talents. The varied workshops offer something different to explore every day, and the people are kind and supportive.
And, more than that, it’s also a place she belongs, a community where she feels welcome and valued. Olivia loves being surrounded by people, bringing a little bit of sparkle to everyone she meets, and Christmas is when the sense of community at Henshaws is stronger than ever.
Olivia loves getting into the festive spirit.
So when the festive season begins, Olivia is in her element. From designing handmade cards and sparkling decorations to helping with festive displays around the centre, she especially loves making gifts for her family. Olivia’s mum Sarah told us:
A difference beyond words
Olivia lives with the rare genetic syndrome SETD5, which brings a range of medical and learning challenges, and she was also diagnosed with autism in 2020. Her family say the difference Henshaws has made to her life is “beyond words.” Sarah says:
We just want Olivia to be happy in what she does, and Henshaws makes that possible. They see her, support her, and give her the space to shine.
At Christmas, when we see her so full of excitement and creativity, it means the world to us.
Give the gift of creativity this Christmas
From now until Christmas, the Stray Ferret is asking everyone to join us in helping more people like Olivia experience the joy, independence and friendship that creativity brings.
Thanks to generous sponsorship from Raworths Solicitors in Harrogate, every donation to our appeal will go towards the new art workshops at Henshaws.
Please donate whatever you can.
Watch the video
Kezzy tells us what your support of the Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal means to her.
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