Kit out the Cafe appeal for the Haven Centre being built in Inverness for young people with learning disabilities and complex needs
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The call has gone out to help "kit out a cafe" at a centre being built in Inverness for young people with learning disabilities and complex needs.
The multi-purpose Haven Centre, which will be the first of its type in Scotland, is set to open next year.
It will comprise three two-bedroom respite flats for young adults up to the age of 30, an indoor specialist play centre with childcare facilities, meeting spaces, outdoor garden and community cafe.
The project is led by the Elsie Normington Foundation which is inviting people to kit out the cafe by buying equipment from a wish list ranging from teaspoons and peelers to coffee machines and fridges.
It comes as it is also preparing for its inaugural fundraising Haven Highland Hooley on Friday which will include live music, dancing and food plus auction items including lunch at Gordon Ramsay's Savoy Grill and a West End Show air tours and a flying lesson and lunch in the privately-owned Kilcoy Castle.
Lunch at Gordon Ramsay's at Savoy Hotel revealed as auction prize
Watch: 'Fantastic' progress on construction of centre
The sell out hooley, which will be hosted by Inverness Courier columnist Nicky Marr, is taking place at the Drumossie Hotel.
Kirstin Mackay, programme manager for the Elsie Normington Foundation, said the charity is delighted with the support it has gained for fundraiser and hopes to host a similar event in the future.
"We are delighted to launch the Kit out the Cafe initiative where people will have the opportunity to purchase items from our wish list of cafe equipment," she said.
"These items are available to buy now. From teaspoons to fridges you’ll find a wide array of items on our wish list and we welcome you to have a browse on our dedicated website to view these items.
"The Haven Centre is a much-needed facility and the first of its kind in the Highlands of Scotland, and we hope that you will be able to support us in this fundraising initiative as we push ever closer to the opening date."
Rona Matheson, community fundraiser for the appeal, thanked the many local businesses which had donated to the auction and raffle for the hooley.
"We have something for everyone – relaxation to therapy to sport to food and drink ,garden centres and crafts," she said, urging people to look out as they post items on its Facebook page.
"I am so excited for the Haven Centre's first big fundraising event and we are delighted to have on board as sponsors Compass, Highland Industrial Supplies and Great Glen Gin all who have given so much to ensure that we all have a successful fun evening for the many deserving families and their carers supporting those with complex needs and disabilities."
