Published: December 4, 2019 | Updated: 4th December 2019
A holiday cottage agency proved the value of good neighbours when they came to the aid of RNLI volunteers in Swanage.
The lifeboat charity’s shop at 7 The Square, is having work carried out over the next few weeks in the crucial run-up to Christmas.
As a result the volunteers were looking for a base to carry on their day to day activities and raise vital funds to save lives at sea.
Meanwhile Dream Cottages was due to move into brand new premises next door at 8 The Square this month.
However it has pushed back its plans and, instead, offered the office to the RNLI volunters as a temporary home during the festive period.
Joy Sangster, Managing Director, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be able to provide our new office to the wonderful volunteers who work in the RNLI shop, our new neighbours, at their time of need.
“With Christmas approaching, fundraising is essential for charities so we are thrilled to be able to help.”
Brian Wright, RNLI Shop Manager, said: “The Swanage shop volunteers are extremely grateful to Dream Cottages for allowing us to use this space for the next couple of weeks to continue to raise vital funds for the RNLI.”
Dream Cottages has a portfolio of more than 350 holiday cottages in Dorset and Devon.
Its flagship office is in Hope Square, Weymouth, with a small office in Burton Bradstock.
Following a successful 2019, the company decided to seek additional premises towards East Dorset due to a rapid influx in holiday let interest.
The new office in Swanage will be staffed and open in the New Year, available for owners, potential new owners and guests looking to book a stay in Dorset.
As well as supporting the RNLI this Christmas, the holiday cottage company’s team is also supporting the Dorset Echo Toy Appeal and Weldmar’s Light up a Life Service in Weymouth.
It also regularly donates to Dorset Mind Charity, local food banks and Operation Christmas Child.