Local MP, Greg Barker, joined Alison Freelander, Chairman of the local charity, Surviving Christmas, at St Richard’s Catholic College for the launch of their annual appeal last Friday.
Alison explained to pupils the importance of the charity’s work in supporting vulnerable people and families in Bexhill, St Leonards and Hastings. Greg talked to pupils and staff about their own contribution to Surviving Christmas and the difference this charity’s work makes to the lives of so many local people.
Speaking at St Richard’s Greg said “These young people are a great example to us all, working hard to raise money in the coming weeks to ensure they share a little Christmas cheer with some of the least well-off families and individuals in our area. It is a great scheme and I am delighted to give it my full support.”
Every year for over a decade St Richard’s staff and pupils bring in donations for the charity during the weeks leading up to Christmas. The school puts together hampers which are distributed by Surviving Christmas to elderly and housebound people. Last year the charity also supported over 1,400 families and young people by providing food vouchers.
Principal Doreen Cronin said “Last year the pupils once gain exceeded their usual generosity by providing a record number of hampers filled with Christmas fayre and a staggering amount of boxes filled with gloves, coats, scarves, socks and toys and games. £1400 was also donated to help needy families. I am sure that this year’s appeal will be just as successful.”
As well as providing hampers and food vouchers, Surviving Christmas run an Open Christmas at the YMCA in Hastings for anyone who is homeless or lonely which is entirely staffed by volunteers.
The charity always welcomes new volunteers and support from individuals, organisations and local businesses. For more information on how to get involved or contribute visit their website www.survivingchristmas.co.uk or telephone 01424 424550 or by post to Surviving Christmas PO BOX 290, Hastings, TN34 9DT.