Latest News | 3 December 2020
Donate unspent Xmas party cash to help homeless
Derventio Housing Trust is appealing to companies to donate unspent funds from cancelled Christmas parties to help it raise money for the homeless.
The trust, which is based in Boyer Street, is hoping that businesses who are unable to hold festive celebrations for staff this year will give their backing to its annual winter appeal, which has been given a 12 Days of Christmas theme.
It is hoping to boost the coffers of its charitable empowerment fund, which has been described as a “lifeline” for a succession of homeless people who have benefitted from it.
The fund helps them pay for everyday objects, which can make a huge difference to their lives, whether it helps them to furnish a house, buy an important document or help them to enjoy a hobby or interest.
Last year, it was used to pay for a mattress, iron boards, washing machines, cookers, chairs, a passport for ID purposes, a pair of shoes, and even a game of foot golf for two at Markeaton Park.
The trust has now set up a special webpage with 12 stories telling of how the empowerment fund has helped its residents, with one story being revealed each day, starting next week.
Derventio Housing Trust manages 600 bed spaces of accommodation for single homeless people in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and elsewhere in the UK and helps 1,100 people to access support, services and training.
This enables them to get their lives back on track, with many having had to deal with issues such as domestic abuse, debts or a relationship breakdown, or who may have drug and alcohol dependencies.
Jackie Carpenter, assistant director of strategy at Derventio Housing Trust, said: “Sadly, the challenges of the coronavirus outbreak this year has affected both the people we work with and our ability to raise money.
“Our empowerment fund is in dire need of support, which is why we’re hopeful that local companies will be able to help us by donating the unused cost of Christmas parties that will not be taking place this year due to the coronavirus restrictions to help us.”
To find out more about Derventio Housing Trust’s 12 Days of Christmas Appeal visit www.derventiohousing.com.
