Get involved and make a difference, says volunteer
His day job sees him helping design new homes, but this Maidstone man has decided to go a little further to help the homeless get a roof over their heads this Christmas.
Mechanical design engineer Chris Field is one of Maidstone Day Centre’s team of volunteers working with its vulnerable clients.
The Kent Messenger is asking for donations of food to Homeless Care, who run the shelter, food drive and hostel, as part of our You Can Help Campaign.
Mr Field, of London Road, gives up his Saturday morning helping with breakfasts, laundry and sorting collections of food and other essentials.
He said: “On an evening out in Maidstone I saw the number of people on the streets. It’s often said you shouldn’t give money, so I decided one day to get involved in something that would help in the local area.”
Mr Field is one of 12 volunteers at the Knightrider Street centre.
The 28-year-old added: “It has been rewarding to do it. I think it is a case that when people see a problem the best way of doing something about it is for them to get involved.
“It is important not to wait for something to be done but to do something yourself, as there is always a demand for volunteers.”
Zofia Grzymala, centre manager, said: “We are very lucky to have Chris as a volunteer.
Volunteers are crucial for Homeless Care operations and we wouldn’t be able to run our organisation without them. They are donating their time and skills and making a real difference in homeless people’s lives.
“We always need more volunteers so if that is something you can help with, get in touch.”
f you would like to donate non-perishable food and drink items for the You Can Help campaign, they can be dropped off at collection points, including the Kent Messenger’s office at 6 & 7 Middle Row, Maidstone