Sharing Stories: Katie and Gemma

People often feel that they can't make a difference on their own.

However, here at Bluebird Care NEW Devon, we genuinely enjoy sharing stories that show how people defied their doubts and have taken a leap of faith to make huge differences in their communities.

Katie and Gemma met over Christmas whilst working on a community project to deliver Christmas packages to people who required support. The packages included food, small gifts, and extras such as reindeer food for the children. The project provided the treats to over 30 families, with five packages delivered on Christmas Eve itself.

They bonded over the project and wanted to continue to make a difference in their communities. They set up a Facebook group to help provide people with more support beyond Christmas. The group is run by volunteers, but they have big plans and hope to build on the support they have been providing. They have had four messages in the last week from people needing food parcels, and they have been able to signpost those people in the right direction. 

When the option of doing a skydive came up, they both went for it! They have chosen to fundraise for MIND, the mental health charity that makes sure no one has to face a mental health problem alone. 

Katie says they chose MIND because it's "a cause that has affected so many, especially through COVID lockdowns - including myself."

Katie says, "it's helping me mentally as well, and it's pushed me to go out of my comfort zone with the skydive. I'm hoping that I can be an advocate for that, for other people." 

The skydive will be on the 15th of May at Dunkerswell, near Honiton. They have already smashed their first fundraising target and are looking to raise even more through sponsorships, charity pots, and raffles.

Bluebird Care NEW Devon are delighted to support their fundraising dreams and mission:

If you're able to donate, please head to their fundraising page here.

If you have a story to share get in touch with us and let us know more!