Brewers and Mail initiatives to boost homeless charities
BOTH Burton Albion and Reach plc, publishers of the Burton Mail, are backing initiatives to tackle homelessness over the festive season.
The Brewers are getting the ball rolling at this Saturday’s game at home to Milton Keynes Dons by asking supporters to bring donations to the game for two local causes.
And for the festive fixtures just after Christmas and at New Year, Reach plc are backing homeless charity Shelter’s #Nohomekit campaign, which asks supporters to wear away club shirts to the festive fixtures to raise awareness of homelessness.
Volunteers from Stretton Preschool, which is based at the Pirelli Stadium, will be going on to the streets of Birmingham on Sunday to hand out hot drinks and wrapped presents of essentials such as hats and scarves that will bring comfort to vulnerable people.
Tracy Watson, care manager at Stretton Pre-school, said: “It truly does bring a wonderful spirit to Christmas and a few tears along the way. Any help would be most gratefully received no matter how small.”
Supporters who want to help can bring donations to the Burton Albion Community Building at the Pirelli Stadium from 1pm on Saturday until kick-off.
Items requested are: men’s/ladies’ deodorant, chocolate/sweets tubes, sweets, wrapped selection boxes, toilet rolls, self-adhesive labels, sleeping bags, small rucksacks, men’s trainers size 7-10, men’s jogging bottoms (small/medium), adult puzzle books, word searches, suduko, adult colouring books/ pens/felt tip colouring pens, new 500-piece jigsaws, women’s’ sanitary products, hand wet wipes/pocket hand gel, hand cream.
Burton Albion Community Trust’s head of community, Matt Hancock, said: “Our supporters are always incredibly generous, especially at Christmas, and we are hoping they will again support us in making Christmas a little brighter for those most in need.
“Please read the list of required items and all donations will be gratefully received.”
The trust are also supporting Hoodies 4 Homeless, launched by Burton barber Matthew Baldwin, to help keep those with nowhere to call home warm with some new clothes.
Supporters can donate unwanted cleaned and washed clothes to the Community Football Centre reception, just behind the 3G pitch, at the Stadium on Saturday.
In explaining why the Mail’s publisher is backing the Shelter campaign, the company said: “Across the country, thousands of people and families are facing the prospect of not having a home this Christmas.
“Since the start of the pandemic, more than 180,000 families have lost their homes.
“Many, including those with young children, are having to stay in unsuitable temporary hostels.
“Housing charity Shelter has warned that the country faces a ‘housing emergency’ this winter and has launched a campaign to bring football together in the fight against the crisis.
“#Nohomekit will encourage fans of every club to wear away shirts to their team’s Christmas fixtures. Thousands of fans will be heading to their teams’ games with a sense of identity, belonging and community.
“No matter what we’re going through in life, our home grounds represent sanctuary, a chance to forget about things and come together in support of our team.
“In a way, it’s the same for our homes in general – they represent comfort, security, safety and a sense of belonging.
“Yet, for many, this basic human right has either been lost or is under threat, and it’s time that changed.
“So, make sure you don an away shirt on Boxing Day or December 27 and, if you’re asked why you’re not wearing your usual outfit, don’t be afraid to explain why.
“By joining us, you’ll be helping raise awareness of the housing emergency.
“You can also donate to Shelter and make sure vital funds are given to help preserve people’s most basic of human rights.”
To donate or find out more, visit: www.england.shelter.org.uk/ support_us/campaigns/no_home_ kit