The current appeal
November 2009
Surviving Christmas 2009 – our 25th project helping vulnerable people and families
in need in the Hastings, St Leonards and Bexhill area
Yes, this will be our 25th Christmas Project! Surviving Christmas (originally known
as Crisis at Christmas) started at Christmas 1985 supplying a Christmas lunch. Unfortunately,
over the years the requests for our help have increased and we have expanded our
work to provide help to people of all ages - from small babies to the oldest members
of our community (one hamper recipient last year was 100 years old!).
We realise that it is difficult to launch an appeal in a time of recession. However,
the people who are hardest hit are those who are on a low income, for whatever reason,
and they may also have higher costs, for example heating, because they are very
young, very old, or disabled. Some of them may also be homeless. These are the vulnerable
members of our community Surviving Christmas aims to help. Last year we had nearly
5,000 people, including 1,300 families, referred to us.
Requests for our help this Christmas are already coming in and I am appealing to
you to help us meet these needs by donating as much as you can towards this year’s
project. We would be very grateful to receive cheques (made payable to “Surviving
Christmas”) and these may be sent to me at the above address. If you would like
more information about the charity, please contact me via the phone number above.
I am also very happy to come and speak about our work to a group or organisation.
If you are able to display the enclosed Appeal poster in your church, school, workplace
etc. that would be appreciated.
We also rely on donations of non-perishable food (use by date to be after 31-01-2010)
for our hampers, toiletries and small toys (for gifts) and good quality second-hand
and new men’s clothing. These may be delivered to the YMCA Sports Centre in St Paul’s
Road, Hastings, from Saturday 19th December onwards.
The Surviving Christmas Committee and the helpers are all volunteers. New faces
are very welcome, either for a few hours or a whole day. We particularly need help
in the week before Christmas when there is an enormous amount of preparation to
be done. This year the introductory meeting for volunteers takes place at the YMCA,
St Paul’s Road, Hastings, TN37 6RS on Wednesday 9th December at 7 pm.
Surviving Christmas is a very local charity serving vulnerable people in Hastings,
St Leonards, Bexhill and Sidley. Our work is entirely funded by the local community
and it is a daunting task to raise the money. However, we know this can be achieved
with your generous help. Thank you for considering our appeal.
Yours sincerely
Judith Wycherley
