Success for Homeless Christmas Shoebox Appeal

This year the appeal has been in memory of the late Cllr Steve Lugg, who introduced the appeal 2 years ago and was such a big driving force behind it.
Local Co-ordinator for the appeal, Rachel Taylor, from East Dorset District Council commented, “This year’s response is a great sentiment to Steve’s legacy. Thank you to everyone across Ferndown, Wimborne, Colehill and beyond who has supported the campaign.”

The appeal was launched in September with the Mayors of Wimborne Minster and Ferndown joining forces in the campaign to encourage residents across the two towns and surrounding parishes to donate shoeboxes to drop off points – and what a response there’s been.

As Christmas has approached the boxes have come in in their droves – all beautifully wrapped and jam packed with necessary items such as toiletries, hats, gloves and sachets of drinks/soups as well as a few sweet treats thrown in to the mix. Many boxes included a Christmas card for the recipient to open on Christmas day. All boxes will be donated to the Help The Homeless Charity and distributed locally.

The Mayor of Ferndown, Cllr Jean Read, said, “I am simply overwhelmed by the generosity of people this year. I was delighted to be approached by one resident who donated £100 to purchase goods for boxes and I thoroughly enjoyed wrapping and filling the boxes. Each box donated will go a long way in spreading a little joy to a homeless person’s Christmas. I’d like to thank every person and organisation who has donated to the appeal, and Meridian Air Conditioning who has been Ferndown’s drop-off point for the boxes for a second year.”

Cllr Kelly Webb, the Mayor of Wimborne Minster added, “It is heart warming that so many people took the time to carefully put these boxes together. Our town should be very proud that we come together as a community to help others at this time of year that is so difficult for homeless people. Thank you to all those that took part in this worthwhile initiative.”