The Rainy Day Trust is asking housewares companies and individuals to help those that are struggling this Christmas. The charity sends out a small hamper or food voucher to its most vulnerable beneficiaries every Christmas.
Bryan Clover, ceo of The Rainy Day Trust explains: “In many cases, this is the only contact that they have with the outside world over the festive period. They also receive a hand-written Christmas card from us. It can be a difficult time for many, so a hamper with a few luxury items can make a huge difference. It has a small Christmas cake, tea, coffee, jam and biscuits among other things. Some prefer to have a voucher for their local market, especially those with dietary issues.”
With its telephone counselling service, the charity also helps with advice and guidance on debt, which often becomes worse over Christmas. Bryan notes: “As the industries that we support try to cope with the political chaos around Brexit, we hear from more and more people as they face reduced hours or redundancy.”
To help generate funds, The Rainy Day Trust is holding a ‘12 Days of Christmas Auction’ on its Facebook and Twitter feeds, as well as asking businesses to sponsor a hamper for £50. Alternatively, housewares suppliers can make a donation of stock that can be sold to raise money.
Bryan reflects: “For the majority of people, Christmas is a time of fun and giving, but for many it is a different picture altogether. We can be there for them, giving direct help or advice and information on how to cope. With mental health starting to get the headlines that it needs, we can help people through a tough time.
To make a donation or sponsor a hamper, go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rdtchristmas2019
To donate stock that we can use, please e-mail bryan@rainydaytrust.org.uk
Top: Christmas can be a very difficult time for people of all ages.
