Bench Donation in Bonnyrigg Has Tenants Sitting Pretty

TENANTS at a retirement housing development are to enjoy their garden space even more thanks to the donation of a wooden park bench from a local businessman.

Shirley Queen, Retirement Housing Manager at Bield’s Moorfoot Court in Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, was looking for fundraising suggestions from the local community in order to raise money to replace the development’s old outdoor benches.

Upon hearing Shirley’s request, Gary Whittle of Pet Helpers in Bonnyrigg got in touch and said he would like to help by donating a brand new bench.

Shirley said: “I really wasn’t expecting someone to respond to my request so quickly and to actually donate us a bench, especially considering I was only looking for fundraising tips.

“Our old benches were so old and worn down so it’s great that now the tenants have a brand new bench to sit outside and enjoy a cup of tea on.

“It just shows that people still do these random acts of kindness that go a long way. All of our tenants have been so appreciative.”

Gary, who works as a pet sitter, also suggested visiting the development with some of the dogs he looks after to give tenants some quality time with his adorable four legged friends.

Shirley added: “We really hope that Gary will be able to visit with the dogs soon as I’m sure everyone would love to spend an afternoon with the pets.

“Animals are a really calming influence so to have some round to the development would be fantastic for both tenants and staff alike.”

Bield operates a ‘Free to Be’ philosophy which lets people make their own choices about how they live their lives while being there to support them when they need it.