Lord and Lady Shaftesbury support Canopy Appeal

Guests were invited to a three course meal, supplied for free by catering company ‘Alice Bee at Home’, owned by Alice Ogeleye.

Alice’s son, Tobi, who attended the school, sadly passed away last year aged 12 and Alice and her husband Femi wanted to give something back to Victoria Education Centre.

“Our son Tobi who had cerebral palsy, passed away last November and we wanted to thank the school for the wonderful work and the incredible support they offered Tobi and our family,” said Alice.

“Having recently set up a catering company, I wanted to offer a special evening of champagne and fine dining and in return guests were asked to donate towards their dining experience. Everyone was incredibly generous and the evening raised £2,500, which will go towards the school’s Canopy Appeal.”

Sue Stratis, Head of Support Services at the school, who was one of the guests at the dinner, explains, “Victoria Education Centre is a day and residential school in Poole, offering specialised, high quality care and therapy for young disabled people from 3-19 years old. All students have physical disabilities or complex medical conditions and many have additional needs including communication difficulties, learning difficulties and sensory impairments.”

Sue continues, “The Canopy Appeal has been set up to raise funds for an 80m walkway between two buildings of the school, which desperately requires a covering, as disabled students are open daily to the elements as they cross between them. At a cost of approximately £90,000 the school has a way to go but thanks to the support of the guests at the charity dinner and Alice’s generosity, the school is one step closer to fulfilling this much needed facility.”

If you would like to get involved in fundraising or make a donation to Victoria Education Centre, please contact Sue Stratis on 01202 763697 or email vec@victoria.poole.sch.uk   for further information.