Help for the homeless at Christmas

For most, the festive period brings with it excitement of spending time with friends and family, spoiling those we love with gifts, and over-indulging in culinary treats.  For some however, it can be a reminder of what others have that they are missing.  It was for this reason that local law firm Warner Goodman LLP, decided to collect for the Friends of the Homeless in Fareham and Gosport.

“Christmas is obviously a difficult time for the homeless, as the winter months bring harsh conditions for them to endure,” begins Karen Clarkson, Marketing Manager at Warner Goodman LLP.  “Homeless charity Shelter recently delivered the news that 80,000 children are due to be homeless, living in temporary or emergency accommodation over the Christmas period this year, which is a shocking realisation to live with in the UK.  The Friends of the Homeless in Fareham and Gosport has their Food Bank in close proximity to our Fareham office and so all the staff agreed to donate what they could for this amazing cause.”

Karen continues, “We were overwhelmed by the generosity of our staff and were so pleased to be able to take 6 boxes overflowing with items to the Food Bank.  The products we collected were not just food, but also items such as shampoo, nappies and other toiletries.  If a person is low on money and is faced with the decision to buy either food or shampoo, they will always opt for food.”

Friends of the Homeless in Fareham and Gosport was started in 1991 providing a nightly soup run in the local area for homeless people.  Over the years it has developed into what it is today; providing short term support and relief to those who find themselves in a crisis or emergency situation.  They will have access to a centre they can visit and be given a food parcel to last for a period of up to a week.

Karen concludes, “In the last 12 months, The Friends of the Homeless have fed the equivalent of 3,000 adults and children in the local area.  They are operated purely by volunteers and are totally dependant on voluntary donations and gift.  We’re extremely proud to have been part of the donations for this year, and intend to continue supporting the charity for years to come.”

To find out more about the Friends of the Homeless in Fareham and Gosport, you can visit their website www.friendsofthehomeless.org.uk or call their Fareham centre on 01329 822204.  For more information on Warner Goodman LLP and the other charities they have supported through 2013, you can visit the News section of their website here.

ENDS

This is for information purposes only and is no substitute for, and should not be interpreted as, legal advice.  All content was correct at the time of publishing and we cannot be held responsible for any changes that may invalidate this article.