A total of 25 businesses stepped up to the mark to donate £800 each to support Home-Start South East Dorset’s silver anniversary project.

When Caroline Pope launched the ambitious target, she didn’t anticipate the lockdowns which meant networking was almost impossible.

But with the help of the Bournemouth and Poole-based BC Club of charitable business people and other local businesses, she has achieved her goal.

Now the 25for25 campaign has raised enough money to help 25 families for six months.

Home-Start South East Dorset can help a family get back on its feet with £800 and in the long term it saves money.

Caroline said: “I am so grateful to the BC Club whose members have supported us and found others to be one of the 25.

“Lockdowns meant it has been hard to fundraise and this is the time when people in challenging situations need it most.

“Whether it’s a child who has been born with special needs, or bereavement, domestic abuse, mental health issues or family breakdown we are always there to support parents.

“It’s not only the money, but the raising of awareness about the problems that our charity has been helping to solve over the years.

“We have continued all the way through the pandemic by quickly adapting our service to online Zooms, phone calls and meeting outdoors.

“Our volunteers make a huge difference to families who are struggling. Sometimes just having someone to talk to can be of great benefit.

“I’d like to sincerely thank all those businesses which are backing our 25for25.”

Shan Seewooruthun, chairman of the BC Club, said: “The BC Club has supported Home-Start over the past few years and when approached about their 25-year anniversary we felt it was a great opportunity to get BC Club members, our local friends, club supporters and other businessmen involved in this great cause.

“We all recognise just how hard fundraising has been for everyone since COVID and felt that doing our bit to help and support Home-Start was very important.

“We are therefore delighted that there are now 25 Companies on board with their financial pledges secured.”

The companies that are supporting the appeal are: DWP Housing Partnership, Amirez Developments, Lions Club of Poole, The 4Com Foundation, Purple Teardrop, Town & Country Communications, Charles Trent, Wyatt Homes, b4b marketing, Jade Aden Services and Interiors, Extreme  Exhibitions, Dorset Commercial Cleaning, 3 Gen Construction, Interface NRM, Quantum Civil Engineering, QuoStar, Pure Town Planning, Spector Constant & Williams, Abbey Estates, Merv Hannam Specialist Cars, Bournemouth & Poole Estates Ltd, The Bath Works, C&D Roofing Ltd, Highcliffe Motor Co, Mauveworx.