A POPULAR community cafe in Newton Abbot has received a welcome boost with a £250 donation.
Our Pavilion Community Cafe in Forde Park was given the cash by St Michaels Masonic Lodge.
Dr Mark Clarvis, secretary and founded member of the cafe, said: ‘A huge thank you to the Brethren of St Michaels Lodge for supporting our ongoing project.
‘We never cease to be amazed by the success of this venture and so much of it is due to the support we receive from our customers and charitable organisations such as yourselves.
‘We are extremely grateful and I can reassure you that the funds will be used for our ongoing aim of providing employment opportunities for those with additional need currently 25 of whom who are working in some capacity in Our Pavillion Café, supported by 20 volunteers.’
The Pavilion Café is dedicated to the memory of Frank Verwey who was the inspiration for the project opening its doors supporting young adults with additional needs to serve the public in a business environment.
With the help of generous donations from local residents and businesses, along with awards from the National and Post Code lotteries and grants from DCC and the Norman Family Trust, the disused pavilion was transformed in the current cafe staffed by adults with differing needs and volunteer helpers and provides much needed employment opportunities as well.