A NORTH-East bookseller has launched a campaign to raise £3,000 to buy activity books for care homes in Darlington.
Yvonne Renton, who owns online bookstore Evelyn’s Next Chapter and worked in care for 18 years, is hoping the books will promote mindfulness among residents.
She has donated 10 magic painting books, which use water instead of paint, and would like to use money raised for colouring and activity books and jigsaw puzzles.
She said: “I thought it would be a nice idea to spread a little cheer back into the care homes of Darlington after a long, tough year of reduced activity calendars and not seeing family and friends due to Covid.”
She added: "Painting and colouring books have become an incredibly popular way for adults to pass the time in recent years, and the popularity has only increased during lockdown. Care home residents would really benefit from table-top activities like these which have been proven to alleviate stress, help maintain motor function, promote socialisation and provide a sense of accomplishment, particularly from those suffering with Alzheimer’s and dementia."
The campaign aims to raise £3,000 before May 10, with all money raised being spent on books to be distributed across Darlington’s 26 care homes after sterilisation and a period of isolation.
Any funds raised over the target will be used to buy the same activities for assisted living quarters and vulnerable adult facilities.
To donate visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/share-the-magic-care-home-book-appeal.
