Wintercomfort launch appeal to help the city's homeless

Cambridge charity Wintercomfort unveils its new Christmas campaign

Cambridge charity Wintercomfort has launched its 2018 Christmas campaign, aiming to continue its work supporting the city’s homeless.

And this year the charity has a partnership with The Big Give which means that all donations made to the appeal between midday on November 27 and December 4, will be doubled, up to £10,000.

Simon Pickering, fundraiser at Wintercomfort said: “We are most grateful to The Big Give for once again getting on board with our appeal which will be kick-started with donations being doubled by their generous supporters.

“The appeal is our biggest of the year and once again we are expecting that the Cambridge community will continue to be exceptionally generous.”

In the last year, Wintercomfort has supported 742 individuals, helping them get back on track, move forward with their lives and, where possible, find new accommodation and work.

One of the service users was Maria, who said: “I was stranded with nowhere to go for help, I had to sleep rough and the street outreach service pointed me in the direction of Wintercomfort. I was given a project worker who supported me to get on the housing list and navigate the complicated system. Thanks to Wintercomfort I now have a home”

Another, Domenico, said: “When I was depressed, Wintercomfort helped me to think straight. They gave me the opportunity to go on outings to the museum and mix with the outside world. This helped me to get my confidence back and come out of my depression. Thanks to their help I now have somewhere to live. The support workers are more than professionals, they are saints.”

Sarah Halls, director at Wintercomfort, added: “We are looking for as many businesses and individuals to support us this Christmas as the appeal is vitally important to our work all year round.

“We see time and time again that homelessness is not a choice people make. Every donation will make a huge difference. We are open on Christmas Day and will welcome more than 35 people.”

Cambridge academic Mary Beard is also supporting this year’s appeal.

A donation of £10 pays for a day of tea, coffee, milk, sugar and juice at the Wintercomfort day centre while £20 pays for an emergency kit for a rough sleeper. You can donate at http://wintercomfort.org.uk/christmas