Give Hope At Christmas Through New Appeal

A Christmas appeal, launched by new charity Hopestead, is inviting donations from the public to benefit good causes across the region this winter.

The Hope At Christmas 2020 appeal is seeking donations of food, vouchers, and clothing such as jackets, jumpers, and socks. In addition, Hopestead – which aims to end homelessness in the East of England  – is collecting new and unwrapped toys for all ages, helping to make sure no-one misses out this festive season.

Practical donations such as supermarket vouchers, are also sought, as well as second-hand mobile phones and tablets, pocket torches, and flasks.   The appeal is also seeking foil and plastic food containers and reusable cutlery and paper bags

And, furry friends on the streets are not forgotten with requests for LED light up dog collars, dog blankets, and dog treats.

Alternatively, people can make cash donations via the Hopestead website from 14 December (www.hopestead.org) or they can choose items from the Amazon wish list: Amazon.co.uk (and select ‘Hopestead’s gift registry address’ for items to be sent direct to their head office).

Marie-Claire Delbrouque, MD of Hopestead, said: “With the pandemic, this winter poses even more risks and challenges for people who are experiencing, or are at or on the brink of homelessness. That’s why we are absolutely committed to offering support through our Christmas appeal.

“Our collection will support some of the amazing grassroots organisations which are making such a difference within local communities, and which we are proud to be partnering with.

“We know how generous and supportive people have been during the pandemic, giving donations and time to help others. We would ask, if you can, please do get involved with our Christmas appeal: your donations could make a big difference for someone.”

To collect people’s donations, the Hopestead vans will be stopping at Flagship offices across the region. Anyone wishing to support the appeal can drop off their donations – safely, and in a socially distanced manner – at the following locations between 10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm:

• Monday 14 December – Michael Chaplin House, Station Road, Dereham, NR19 1DA
• Tuesday 15 December – Cedar Lodge, Chiswick Avenue, Mildenhall, IP28 7BD
• Wednesday 16 December – Station Road, Riduna Park, Melton, Woodbridge, IP12 1QT
• Thursday 17 December – Tom Moore House, Cromer Road, North Walsham, NR28 0NB
• Friday 18 December – 31, King Street Norwich, NR1 1PD and Coppice House, 5 Greenwood Court, Bury St Edmunds, IP32 7GY

People will also be able to make monetary donations via card at these drop offs, should they prefer to do so.

Or donations can be posted to Hopestead, 39 Montagu Drive, Saxmundham, IP17 1FL

Some of the organisations which the Hopestead Christmas appeal will benefit are:

• The People’s Picnic, Norwich
• FABB (Food and Beverage Buggies), Norwich
• Ipswich Winter Night Shelter
• Salvation Army
• Winter Comfort for the Homeless, Cambridge
• Street Vets.

This appeal comes after Hopestead officially launched in October with two drive-in cinema events that raised almost £4,000 to support those who are experiencing homelessness, or are at or on the brink of homelessness.

Prior to this, Hopestead had begun operating an initiative earlier this year when it became clear that the pandemic had the potential to increase homelessness. Since then, Hopestead has awarded in excess of £350k to support nearly 700 Flagship Group families who might be at risk of losing their homes.

Now the charity’s fundraising efforts are focused on its Christmas appeal. With the winter months ahead, and Covid-19 likely to impact further on homelessness, Marie-Claire Delbrouque emphasised just how vital the support provided by the Christmas appeal will be. She said: “This year has already posed so many difficulties for people and unfortunately, the coming months, look set to be equally challenging.

“That is why we would ask people to please help in whatever way they can. We want to provide resources and support to these brilliant organisations which are making a difference throughout Christmas, and beyond.

“This appeal is just one step towards achieving our overall goal of ending homelessness in the East of England. By working in partnership with likeminded organisations already working hard to eradicate homelessness, we know that we can achieve this together. Because we believe that everyone deserves a place to call home.”

The full list of donations being sought through the Christmas appeal are:

• Men’s jackets, and jumpers
• Men’s tracksuit trousers and jeans
• New and unwrapped toys for all ages
• Stationery and crafts
• Puzzles, word searches, board games
• Second hand mobile phones and tablets
• Greggs £5 food vouchers
• Supermarket vouchers
• Foil and plastic food containers,
• Reusable cutlery and paper bags
• LED light up dog collars, dog blankets
• Dog food and treats
• Tinned food of all varieties
• Coffee, hot chocolate sachets, and tea bags
• Hand warmers, and socks
• Pocket torches and flasks.

Donations made to the Just Giving site (live from 14 December) will be used to buy vouchers and top up additional items required.

You can find out more by visiting www.hopestead.org or Hopestead on Twitter @_hopestead or Instagram @_hopestead and Facebook Hopestead | Facebook