Christmas is a challenging time for residents of YMCA Bournemouth’s supported housing.
Having previously slept rough and now in the process of fighting hard to stay off the streets and move forward with their lives, many have no social connections, most will not be invited home for Christmas, while for others ‘home’ is a stark reminder of a difficult past.
The ‘Prezzies for Rezzies’ campaign invites local people to donate a new or nearly new Christmas present to people who otherwise might receive none at all.
“You cannot imagine the difference it makes to our residents for them to feel that they are remembered at Christmas: that someone cares enough to send them a gift,” says Steven Smith, an Accommodation and Support Worker at the hostel. “The road to recovery and a positive long-term future is a challenging one: a little kindness can do a lot to help them get there.”
YMCA Bournemouth suggests the following: socks, sweets, stationery, art materials, calendars, diaries, colouring pencils, paints, colouring books for adults, toiletries, gift sets, hair accessories, food (no alcohol), DVDs, games and puzzles. They ask that these items remain unwrapped as the charity selects gifts appropriate for each resident.
There are three collection points for donations:
- YMCA Bournemouth, Delta House, Westover Road, Bournemouth BH1 2BS;
- The Junction Sports and Leisure Centre, Station Approach, Broadstone BH18 8AX;
- Pokesdown and Southbourne Children’s Centre, 108 Stourvale Road, Southbourne BH6 5JB.
Could you bring a smile to a former rough sleeper’s face this Christmas?
For further information please contact Sarah Watson on 01202 290451.