Coventry Cyrenians Xmas 2022 – L-R: Volunteers Mike, Nic and Sue
A charity which has been helping homeless and vulnerable people across Coventry and Warwickshire for 50 years is making an urgent appeal for donations, after seeing a dramatic rise in demand for its services.
The Coventry Cyrenians is today (13 November) launching a Golden Winter Appeal, as figures show the number of people seeking help from the charity has more than doubled in less than a year.*
“The situation is worse than ever before,” said the Chief Executive of the Coventry Cyrenians, Caron Williams.
“One of the main reasons is the cost of living crisis. We’re determined as a charity to make sure everyone who needs help this winter is kept warm and has a hot meal, especially on Christmas Day.”
The Golden Winter Appeal 2023-24 – marking the charity’s 50th anniversary – aims to raise thousands of pounds to provide support and shelter for those most in need, including a hot meal, presents and entertainment at a special event hosted by volunteers on Christmas Day.
In the Coventry area, hundreds of families and individuals are unable to provide themselves with a hot meal, either through a lack of money or facilities such as a cooker.
Coventry Cyrenians has set up a special Just Giving page for people to donate online: https://bit.ly/47pa3ET.
The charity has been providing Christmas Day meals for more than 30 years. Last year, more than 100 people attended the event – the only one of its kind in the city – with volunteers also making 12 takeaway meals.
Caron Williams added: “The Christmas Day event at the Methodist Central Hall is for anyone who doesn’t have access to a hot meal. We’re hoping the appeal will help to bring some much-needed joy and comfort not only on the big day but throughout the winter.”
Occupancy rates in the charity’s properties are currently 97%, compared to the usual rate of 85%. The charity is urgently seeking more accommodation to increase capacity.
DONATIONS REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE:
- £10 buys a starter kit of essentials like toiletries, underwear or sanitary products for a client.
- £15 buys a Christmas meal with daytime refreshments.
- £25 buys a week of basic groceries.
- £50 buys a resettlement pack of bedding, towels or cooking equipment for a resident moving on to independent living.
*The number of people/households seeking the charity’s help has increased from 199 (1st April – 31st October 2022) to 407 (1st April – 31st October 2023).
