Beyond Housing has pooled its resources to run a series of charitable campaigns to support those customers worst affected by the Coronavirus crisis.
The housing provider has so far raised £1,000 to help hard-hit households, while its community connectors are planning to host an internal appeal for Christmas hamper donations.
The community connectors team is also asking colleagues to nominate Beyond Housing customers or other households that would benefit from a pantry top up.
The nominees could be those who have been in financial difficulty as a direct result of COVID-19, those who suffered with their mental health through social isolation , or those who have been through significantly challenging circumstances.
Beyond Housing colleagues have already raised more than £800, despite the financial hardship 2020 has placed on many people.
The community connectors also applied to North Yorkshire County Council’s Stronger Communities Fund, and have been awarded £1,000 of additional funding to cover hampers in the Scarborough and Whitby areas.
Bamford Doors and KMS are also contributing to the appeal, collecting toys and books for children aged between two to 10 years old, which will allow for individual donations to be focused on food and treats.
Stephanie Lake, community connector coordinator at Beyond Housing, said: “We are overwhelmed by the generosity and support from our Beyond Housing colleagues.
“Helping those most affected by the pandemic is crucial at this time of year and the Christmas hampers are going to benefit so many people.
“We would also like to extend our thanks to our suppliers, Bamford Doors and KMS, for their contribution of toys and books; and to North Yorkshire County Council for supporting our appeal with additional funds, meaning we can produce double the number of hampers we thought.
“Many families will be struggling to make sure there are presents under the tree, as well as food on the table. We’re delighted that we’re in a position to be able to help.”
Beyond Housing is a registered housing provider operating in the North East and North Yorkshire.
With its regional offices in Redcar and Scarborough, the organisation is responsible for the letting, management, and maintenance of over 15,000 homes.
Image: (L-R) Jill Blight of Bamford Doors, Rachael Crooks of Beyond Housing, Julian Bailey of KMS, Faye Daniels of Beyond Housing, Alexis Smith of Bamford Doors, Lee Jones of Bamford Doors, and Stephanie Lake of Beyond Housing
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