Trust teams up with gifting firm to bring Xmas cheer

Derventio Housing Trust has teamed up with gifting firm Colleague Box to provide treats to its residents.

The trust runs shared houses for hundreds of people in Derby and Derbyshire – and other areas of the UK – who might otherwise be homeless.

It is currently providing accommodation for 200 people in Derby and 130 in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. Across the UK, the housing trust supports 650 people.

It is now calling on businesses and individuals to support its Colleague Box campaign to send boxes full of festive treats to its residents.

Jackie Carpenter, assistant director of strategy at Derventio Housing Trust, said: “We are blown away that such a fabulous local company with a big heart is supporting our appeal.

“At a hugely busy time for them, they have taken on putting together these extra boxes for us and we couldn’t be more grateful.

“We know how much this will mean to residents and we’re excited to think how much they will enjoy opening up a Colleague Box of festive treats.”

Natalie Bamford, who set up Colleague Box with her husband Adam, said: “Community is important to us and when Derventio first approached us about being involved in creating these special boxes, we knew that it was something we would love to be involved in.

“These gifts will have a huge impact on the lives of those needing the support and it is a real honour to be involved.”

Many Derventio residents struggle with their mental health; some have no family, while others have become estranged from theirs.

The trust said receiving a box of treats would make a big difference to residents, particularly at Christmas.

Penny Wiltshire, from Derventio Housing Trust, said: “With our Christmas campaign we would like to give residents some luxuries to help them feel they are part of the festive season too.

“When money is tight and you need to buy essentials, even treats like a packet of biscuits or a little box of chocolates are simply unavailable.

“We hope businesses and individuals will help give people a little bit of Christmas cheer this year by donating to our campaign.

“Many people can’t imagine spending Christmas on their own but that’s unfortunately the reality for some residents. Many people really don’t have much, so we know how much of a difference these hampers will make.”

To donate to the appeal, visit https://www.colleaguebox.co.uk/derventiofestivetreat .