It’s been a tough year for so many in our communities and for those facing the added hardship of surviving the winter without a home or regular meal or help with mental and wellbeing issues, it’s going to be tougher still. So this year, as a business, together with other organisations in our group, we have decided to invest or corporate Christmas present fund in support for those charities and initiatives that provide vital help to the homeless in our communities, across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire, and which may have struggled to raise funds, because of the pandemic. This year, above all others, it felt more important and appropriate for us to offer practical and immediate assistance to our communities and those in greatest need.
Our wonderful Hitchin branch has chosen to support The North Herts Sanctuary, which provides temporary accommodation for homeless people. Their vision is that everyone who is faced with homelessness has prompt access to safe accommodation and the care and support needed to transform their lives for the better.
Peter Warren, Trustee at Helping Herts Homeless said: “Thank you so much for Neville’s donation towards the work and services provided by Helping Herts Homeless. We really appreciate it when people come forward with donations (in kind or financial), recognising that there is a need to assist vulnerable people in this part of the world.
“Our Hostel [The Sanctuary in Nightingale Road, Hitchin] is open 365 days a year and normally accommodates 17 people, but far fewer during the lockdown. HHH support and maintain the building although Stevenage Haven provide day services for us.”
Our Hitchin branch is also collecting much needed supplies for the North Herts Sanctuary and has set up a donation box for staff and local people to be able to contribute if they can.
They are looking for donations of the following items: hats, gloves, scarves, new pants and socks, tins of meat or fish or vegetables and new sealed toiletries and will accept items up until 14th December.
The boxes will be placed in the reception areas of each branch with safety and social distancing measures in place for those that want to drop in with donations.
If you would like to donate directly to this charity, further details can be found on the website www.northhertssanctuary.org.uk