A nursery in Chadwell Heath, Monkey Puzzle, faced a devastating setback when a major fire forced them to evacuate their premises at the Spectrum Building in Freshwater Road. However, thanks to the incredible generosity of parents and the community, the nursery was able to secure temporary premises at a nearby church and continue providing care for children.
Parent’s Generosity
After the fire at the Spectrum Building on August 26, a parent of a child attending Monkey Puzzle, Claire Moore, took the initiative to set up a GoFundMe page to help the nursery recover. The response was overwhelming, with donations pouring in from both individuals and businesses in the community. Furniture, toys, and equipment were all donated to ensure that the nursery could continue its operations.
Claire expressed her gratitude for the support, stating, “My daughter goes to Monkey Puzzle Chadwell Heath, and I, like all of the other parents, was devastated when I heard the news about the fire. I knew I had to do something to help – setting up the GoFundMe page was the least I could do.”
Resilience and Community Support
Despite the challenges they faced, the team at Monkey Puzzle quickly found an alternative location at a nearby church. The temporary site was equipped with standard security measures and separate rooms for different age groups. Additionally, the local Howden’s branch generously provided a brand-new kitchen to ensure that meals could still be prepared for the children.
Maryam Khan, the franchisee for the nursery, expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of support from the community, saying, “It’s been wonderful to have received such support from our community – from local people, families, and businesses. We couldn’t have jumped into action as quickly without their generous donations and unwavering support.”
Looking Ahead
As Monkey Puzzle continues to operate from its temporary location, plans are already in motion for a new, permanent site within the next six to 12 months. The nursery, which has been serving the community for eight years, is eager to find a new home where they can continue providing quality care for children in Chadwell Heath.
The resilience and community spirit displayed in the face of adversity are a testament to the strength and unity of the Chadwell Heath community. With the support of parents, businesses, and individuals, Monkey Puzzle has been able to overcome the challenges brought on by the fire and continue their important work of nurturing and caring for children.
