Supporting three good causes this December
Christmas is a time for giving and this year will be no exception at St Hugh’s! We’ve committed to supporting three local charities throughout December, including Friendship at Home, Harbour Place and Women’s Aid.
Over the next three weeks we’re collecting money, useful items and Christmas gifts to donate to each charity and support those in need over the festive period.
We’ve selected charities which mean a lot to our staff and are doing fantastic work by providing crucial support for vulnerable people during a time that is joyous for many but difficult for some.
As a not-for-profit organisation, we have a long-standing history of supporting other third sector organisations, and this year it feels more important than ever to support the local charities which are working tirelessly to support our community.
Friendship at Home is an organisation which provides befriending and support for older people across North East Lincolnshire to help combat isolation and loneliness through companionship, clubs, exercise classes and independent living activities.
Owing to the latest COVID-19 restrictions, the charity is unable to hold its annual Christmas party and lunch this year. Instead, the staff will be delivering festive afternoon teas to over 600 of its members to help make their Christmas memorable.
The charity recently set a fundraising target of £2,000 via its JustGiving page to ensure its team could deliver an afternoon tea to all the older people they look after.
We have a long-standing relationship with the charity and have provided funding for two of the team’s dementia specialists – Mandy Sparkes and Clare Bellamy – since 2017. They work tirelessly to ensure the needs of vulnerable older people are met and that valuable members of our community are well cared for.
After hearing about how hard the charity has worked to find a great alternative to their annual party, we decided to step in and help them to reach their target. To encourage donations from our hospital staff, we’ve bought a luxury £100 Christmas hamper raffle prize and placed a collection tin on our hospital reception desk.
The team at Friendship at Home only need £300 more to reach their target, and while all our staff are donating, we would encourage the public to donate any amount they can spare to this amazing appeal and help make this Christmas a memorable one for the older members of our community.
Harbour Place was set up 25 years ago as a day centre for homeless people and it launched the first night centre facility in Grimsby two years ago at its premises on Hope Street, providing overnight accommodation and an outreach service.
We’ve supported Harbour Place for over 25 years by donating hot meals to their night shelter, and we’re now helping the charity to collect hoodies and joggers in medium and large sizes, as well as festive treats including sweets, chocolates, selection boxes, biscuits and cans of soft drinks for individuals attending the night shelter.
North East Lincolnshire Women’s Aid provides support, accommodation and advice for women, men and children who are experiencing or who have experienced domestic abuse in North East Lincolnshire.
We heard about their Refuge Christmas Appeal and have asked our staff to donate items which can be gifted to mums and children. We’ve been asked to specifically focus on collecting items for teenagers and mums as the charity is particularly short on these items.
This year has posed significant challenges for our fundraising efforts, but we hope to spread a little festive joy and raise awareness of the ways in which these worthy charities can be supported in a safe manner.
To find out more about Friendship at Home or their Christmas afternoon tea appeal, visit the website, follow the charity on Facebook or donate via their JustGiving page.
To find out more about Harbour Place or how to donate items for their latest appeal, visit the website or follow the charity on Twitter.
To find out more about North East Lincolnshire Women’s Aid and their Refuge Christmas appeal, visit the website or follow the charity on Facebook.