YORK BUSINESSES UNITE TO BRING CHRISTMAS CHEER TO VULNERABLE RESIDENTS

York Cares has launched its annual Christmas Collections campaign where not-for-profit organisations provide a wish list which is then fulfilled by local businesses.

YORK BUSINESSES UNITE TO BRING CHRISTMAS CHEER TO VULNERABLE RESIDENTS

An employee-volunteering charity is showing that York cares this Christmas by organising for local businesses to bring some festive cheer to vulnerable residents.

 York Cares has launched its annual Christmas Collections campaign where not-for-profit organisations provide a wish list which is then fulfilled by local businesses.

 This year the campaign is supporting Door 84, Kyra, Refugee Action York, SASH, The Island and The Spirit of Christmas. The wish lists include toiletries, food, warm clothing, toys and gifts.

 Collection points for the donations are at the University of York, and at the offices of Hunter Gee Holroyd, Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Nestle, Portakabin and Torsion Construction, whose employees are amongst those who have committed to fulfilling the wish lists. Benenden Health have donated £1210 worth of Boots gift vouchers with £250 worth of vouchers being donated directly to both SASH and Door 84.

 Lucy Pagliaro, Engagement and Wellbeing Co-ordinator, Benenden Health said "We were delighted to be able to support York Cares’ festive campaign this year. As a York based organisation, it is important to us that we give back in our local community and are pleased that we can help these charities and community groups support those who need it during the festive season."

 Torsion Construction have committed to donating 190 items including socks, children's toys and selection boxes. Kelly Wheatley, HR Business Partner, Torsion Group said "Supporting York Cares is a privilege to us here at Torsion as we mutually work at building communities and bringing those together in York."

 The HR Department at the University of York have committed to donating nearly 200 items including food, warm clothing and hot water bottles. Rachael Millhouse, HR Director, University of York said "This initiative run by York Cares feels all the more important during what is such a challenging time. Having an outlet to, most importantly, reach those in need but also to focus our Christmas spirit is so very much appreciated. In many ways, the call out for donations marks the beginning of the run-up to Christmas. My colleagues across the whole of our HR Department this year, as they have for many years, feel grateful for the opportunity to help and have pulled together to donate enthusiastically and generously. Thank you to York Cares for coordinating this initiative and we are sending our Christmas wishes to everyone involved."

 Aimee Harding, Fundraising Officer, SASH said "We are so grateful for the donations that we receive from York Cares as a lot of the young people that come into our services arrive with nothing. Having just the basics such as a toothbrush and warm clothing is vital to their mental and physical wellbeing. The generous donation from Benenden Health will enable us to purchase much-needed items to ensure our young people have the supplies they need."

 Holly Hennell, Manager, York Cares said "We know that with the cost of living crisis times are hard for everyone and even more so for the people who these organisations are supporting. Asking for donations in the current climate is not easy as we do not wish to put additional pressure on people who may already be struggling. However, we felt it was important for us to run our Christmas Collections as we have done for many years, as the organisations we support rely on our help. We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of our employers and employees and thanks to them we are able to spread some Christmas cheer and hopefully make what can be a difficult time of year a bit easier for some of the city's residents."

 Find out more about how employee-volunteering charity York Cares and its members support the local community visit www.yorkcares.co.uk