"If we all chipped in, we could make a huge difference" - Brighouse charity's plea as winter already begins to impact those in need
Brighouse charity Focus4Hope is calling on local businesses, community groups and members of the public to support its winter campaign.
The charity’s founder Louise Reed says winter is already having a negative impact on people who are struggling and is calling on the community to show their support by donating or volunteering.
“We’re working with one young man who having paid his phone bill, had nothing left for his electric or heating and was using candles to see his way around at night,” she said.
"We used a cash donation of £40 to put onto his meter, but that won’t last him very long.
“Winter’s barely begun and it already feels like our worst yet, with many people making difficult decisions between heating and eating. I know everyone’s struggling at the moment and some feel uncomfortable making a smaller donation, but any contribution - even just a tin of soup or some socks for our Christmas Gift campaign - is better than no contribution at all. If we all chipped in, we could make a huge difference.”
The goal is to ensure that no one in the local community is forgotten, unsupported, or unable to access essentials such as food and warmth,” says Louise.
Activities include fortnightly homeless outreach in Leeds city centre, its low-cost Food Club, and its centre for warmth, which offers practical help and support.
The charity’s winter support programme includes The Big Christmas Project, centred around a reverse advent calendar to create Christmas hampers, where people are asked to pop an item allocated for each day during November into a box, then drop it off at the beginning of December.
People can also donate single items, or add in extra, non-food items such as toiletries or personal hygiene products.
Other initiatives include referreing a family who need help and would benefit from a food hamper, and pledging a gift for vulnerable young people, including fluffy socks, toys and games, crayons and pens. People can also donate a £5 lunch voucher or an amount of their choice via the Focus4Hope website.
Fundraising efforts are all year-round at the charity, but upcoming events include Music4Hope on November 21, the Santa Dash on November 28, and a Christmas wreath making workshop.
"We believe everyone deserves hope and dignity, and shouldn’t face these challenges alone,” Louise said. “Please visit our website for ways you can help - every contribution, whether it’s a food or gift donation, or a ticket to one of our events, helps us continue delivering vital support.”