Community cash for Buckingham and Northamptonshire charities

Persimmon Homes Midlands has made awards to Shacks Barn and Buckingham RDA and Groundwork Northamptonshire as part of its Community Champions scheme.

The match-funding initiative seeks to support grassroots groups and charities in areas where the company is building.

Sales director Claire Dearsley said: “Supporting local causes has never been more important, as this year has prevented so many small charities and clubs from doing their usual fundraising activities.

“We are proud to be able to help two worthy causes this month, both committed to making life better for local people.”

Shacks Barn is the local branch of the Riding for the Disabled Association, providing training for local parents of disabled children who have missed their horse riding lessons since March. Persimmon’s £950 funding will sponsor a horse for six months, enabling a child to benefit from a confidence-boosting ride every week. For more information visit www.shacksbarnrda.com

The Greenpatch is a community allotment run by Groundwork Northamptonshire. The two-and-a-half-acre site boasts polytunnels, raised beds, a small orchard, chickens and ducks. Based in a low-income area of Kettering, the community, youth and environmental regeneration charity aims to start a family cooking club, helping to provide food and meals for children and families through the winter months. A £1,000 donation from Persimmon will help to fund the project's running costs.

Persimmon Homes Midlands makes two donations of up to £1,000 every month. The online application form can be found at www.persimmonhomes.com/charity