Do Good Day 8th March 2022
The 8th of March is St John of God Day, a day to celebrate our founder and his legacy. We continue to do #GoodWork in his name, making a difference to the lives of the people we support.
“Do good for yourself by doing good for others”
- St John of God
We wanted to mark the day with events and activities to #DoGood in our local communities involving the people we support and colleagues.
The Minims & Woodhall Community Centre
Woodhall & The Minims worked together to do good in their local community. They revamped the garden of a local children’s nursery and gifted them some plants, artwork and craft giftbags.
Varada, Regents House
Project Worker Varada donated her hair to the Little Princess Trust.
The Little Princess Trust provides free real hair wigs to children and young people who have lost their hair through cancer treatment or other conditions.
SJOG head office, Darlington
The SJOG head office team volunteered with a local community hub and food bank in Catterick Garrison to assist with their appeal to get vital aid into the Ukraine.
The community hub was in direct contact with the volunteer fire service on the Polish border. They met the convoy of vans in Poland and unloaded items ready to be labelled with translated stickers.
The fire service translated the labels ahead of arrival, meaning the aid would pass through the border and into Ukraine as quickly as possible. The SJOG team collected and donated more than 3 cars full of essential items that are now already in the Ukraine.
At the start of the week the goal was to fill 5 vans. Within 7 days the community had filled 11 vans and 1 horsebox. Over 1400 boxes full of desperately needed items are already now in Kyiv thanks to the Colburn Hub Foodbank in Catterick Garrison.
1400+ boxes being packed in the community centre in Catterick Garrison.
Vans at Dover ready to get onto the Ferry.
Unloading in Poland.
Volunteers from Colburn hub / foodbank that drove to Poland to deliver aid.
Regents House
The Regents House team donated blood to the NHS in Newcastle. Two clients from the service also donated blood.
Team Lead Abderrahman said: “It was a great experience for everyone!”
Gail, SJOG HR
Gail spent the day volunteering in the kitchen at Charles Dickens Lodge in Barnard Castle.
Charles Dickens Lodge is a facility, which provides retirement apartments for over 55s, a place where residents are supported in their everyday lives to give them the independence they crave.
Gail spent her day working alongside Chef Keith and his assistant Tony in the kitchen.
Gail said: “I sanitised and laid tables, helped serve meals to residents, cleared tables and sanitised again. I assisted tidying in the kitchen and made (lots of) coffee and tea for the Chef and his assistant. The residents were lovely and those I served were very curious as to why I was there and interested to learn I work for St John of God and how it is Do Good Day.”
Lindisfarne Court, Darlington
Lindisfarne Court spent their day litter picking in the local community, with Haughton Matters and Haughton Wombles, colleagues from head office, support from Darlington College students and Br Michael Newman.
Service Manager Amanda said: “It was a great day, inspirational in these dark times.”
Everyone enjoyed coffee, cake and corned beef pie at the church hall after the litter picking.
Ceuta House
Ceuta House volunteered at the Martlet Cancer Hospice in Brighton. They needed a hand building some storage units for their upcoming fundraising events and were very grateful for the help.
Carmona House
The team at Carmona House wanted to mark the day by planting trees with the assistance of Birmingham Trees For Life. Making Birmingham greener!
National Lead for Homelessness & Modern Day Slavery, Sirpreet said: “ It was a pleasant, fun filled and a meaningful day!”
St John’s, Scorton
The team at St John’s made cakes for the care home next door.
They have already received a card thanking them for the cakes.
St Paul’s, Birmingham
St Paul’s baked cakes and donated food to a local food bank.
Terry Yorath House, Leeds
Terry Yorath house organised a collection for the local food bank, The Trussell Trust.
Service Manager Anthony said "In the picture you can see our community of people who use our services, colleagues and family members, all of whom have supported this worthwhile project."
Brentwood, Leyburn
Peter gave a potted plant with a note on to all 6 of Brentwood’s neighbours.
Andrew donated items to the local bus stop charity.
Sandown Road, Billingham
The team at Sandown Road donated lots of Easter Eggs to a local children's home.
Service Manager Nicola said "They were very grateful for the donation!"
Outreach Services, Liverpool
The Liverpool SJOG team went to the local Lidl, bought food and donated it to the supermarket’s donation box, which will be distributed to local food banks.
Outreach Services, Manchester
The Manchester SJOG team visited a local shop and then proceeded to donate the food purchased to Manchester Charity “The Booth Centre”.
And a selection of photos of other celebrations and activities to mark the day:
Rockcliffe Court, Hurworth
Service Manager Paula and SJOG Management Accountant Sam cooked a Sunday roast for 20 people at Rockliffe Court. This included residents of Rockliffe Court, their family and Brother Michael.
Service Manager Paula said: “Sam was amazing and we made a great team. Fantastic day had by all!”
The team at Rockliffe also collected items to donate to the local food bank and MDS services in SJOG.
Dr Lisa Alcorn, Chief Operating Officer
Lisa spent the day with Alan, a resident from Dalby View. They went to Seaham Harbour where they visited ‘Tommy’ the statue and had a walk along the coast.
Lisa said: “Alan fell in love with a rather expensive bike and wanted his picture taken with it. He is already planning our next outing to the local garden centre!”
Olallo House, London
Olallo House have set up beds at the local 'Story Garden' to grow vegetables for the local food bank.
Service Manager Pawel said: “It was a fun day out and a great way to celebrate St John of God feast day.”
Dalby View, Middlesbrough
Dalby View had a party and invited family and friends of residents, the residents from the care home next door along with their families. They also donated to local food and clothing banks.
Support Worker Leanne said: “Absolutely brilliant day with friends, family and other visitors. Everyone really pulled together to make it special!”
