Help the Homeless Christmas appeal launches in Ferndown

Organiser Steve Lugg has gathered together a partnership of local community organisations, businesses, councillors and the public for the second Ferndown area shoebox appeal, after 84 packages were donated to the local homeless last year.

As well as the mayor, those at the launch on 2 September included Suzanne Lovell from Meridian, Ben Pulford MD of mags4dorset also representing Ferndown Chamber of Commerce, and Kath Osborne, senior manager at the local homeless centre.

Steve said that pledges of help and support have already come in from local churches, businesses and organisations, as well as individuals. He is confident of sending 100 packages to Help the Homeless by the end of November.

You can drop off accessories such as socks, gloves and hats, and confectionary as well as toiletries (no aerosols) at Meridian Air Conditioning. “Full shoeboxes and full bags for life are welcome too,” says Steve. Drop offs will be accepted until 29 November.

Steve, along with a small group in the area, has been supporting the homeless with donations throughout the year. In extending these efforts Meridian has offered to act as an all year central location for first deposits of these items, as well as supporting the Christmas appeal.

Steve said, “We want to raise awareness, help at Christmas, but perhaps most importantly, help all year round. Thanks to everyone who intends to get involved, let’s raise some eyebrows with the number of packages we send to Kath and her clients!”