Local MP attends ECL Canvey Island Open Day

MP for Castle Point, Rebecca Harris, attended an open day at the ECL Canvey Island Day Centre last Friday alongside local councillors, Peter May and Ray Howard, and ECL’s Director of Quality and Governance, Wendy Thomas, who were also in attendance as the centre opened its doors to the community.

The centre hosted a Macmillan coffee morning to start proceedings, raising £100 for the charity through cake and refreshment sales, with customers baking treats for the cause. The event, attended by approximately 100 people including councillors, customers, parents and staff, played host to various activities on the day, from an autumnal barbeque and lawn games, to arts and crafts, and karaoke.

ECL Gardening - Basildon were enlisted for support, with the team raising £150 through sales of plants and gardening items. The fundraising raffle and tombola raised an additional £340 for the customers’ amenity fund.

Kate Ferris, Service Coordinator at ECL Canvey Island, said: “The event has been a huge success, with the centre welcoming members of the public and our customers’ family and friends. The open day is a great opportunity to introduce the community to the range of services we have on offer for adults with learning disabilities.

“We would like to thank local businesses and residents for their generous prize donations to our fundraising raffle, which contributes to our customers’ amenity fund that provides essential equipment and activities for the centre.”

Rebecca Harris, MP for Castle Point, said: “I’ve really enjoyed the afternoon – ECL Canvey Island is such a lovely, bright and happy centre. We are extremely lucky to have such fantastic facilities in the borough.”

Canvey Island staff demonstrated great teamwork and solid efforts to organise the event, with the team approaching local businesses for donations to the fundraising raffle.