A WORCESTER homeless charity is presenting a bare Christmas tree to highlight the rising number of homeless people and those at risk of homelessness across Worcestershire.
Maggs Day Centre, a Worcester-based homeless charity, is showcasing their empty tree at this year’s Christmas Tree Festival in Worcester Cathedral as a stark reminder of the 62 people in Worcestershire currently living on the streets.
Statistics released by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, show that more than 800 households were at risk of homelessness in the past year across the county – a number which is only set to rise.
In response to these statistics, Maggs has launched its ‘Bring Cheer to the Homeless’ campaign, encouraging people to provide monetary donations, as well as food and clothing, to help support homeless and vulnerable people.
Melissa Blewitt, marketing and relations officer, at Maggs Day Centre said:
“Homelessness is not something we can ignore at any time of year, but the reality is that this Christmas many people will not have a roof over their heads.
“Our tree is a reminder this is not a lifestyle choice, and the rising number of people at risk of becoming homeless is being exacerbated by the cost of living crisis and mental health, to name a few.”
A £50 donation can provide three hours of support to a Maggs tenant, while just £10 can provide five service users with a hot breakfast.
People can visit Maggs’ Christmas tree at Worcester Cathedral until January 14 and make a donation through its website or in person at the cathedral.
Bobs on show for tree-mendous Blackpole charity
Leukaemia Care is also taking part in the festival this year. This is the first year the Worcester-based charity have a Christmas tree, which this year features more trees than ever.
Leukaemia Care’s tree has been decorated with a red and white theme to represent the body’s red and white blood cells.
If you visit the tree and look carefully, you will spot a few ‘Bobs’ – the charity’s red and white knitted ‘blood drop’ decorations. Leukaemia is a blood cancer that affects people of all ages, with 27 people receiving a leukaemia diagnosis every day in the UK – that’s just under 10,000 every year.
The Blackpole based charity’s tree ties in with its Christmas donation appeal which this year is called ‘Snow Much Love’.
Fronting this year’s appeal is Janine who was diagnosed with AML in November 2019, and spent her birthday, Christmas, and New Year in the hospital she worked in.
Janine benefitted from Leukaemia Care’s specialist nurse advice, Buddy Scheme, and one-to-one counselling fund. Being there to support patients like Janine, and her daughter, wouldn’t be possible without the wonderful donations people make to Leukaemia Care all year round.
The Cathedral’s Christmas Tree Festival will be held in the Cloisters at the Cathedral with more trees than ever from local charities, schools, and organisations can be viewed by all the family.
