We did it! Campaign to help the homeless sees Recorder readers dig deep
People enjoing the Christmas party put on by the Ilford Single Homeless Project - Credit: Archant
The Recorder‘s ‘Winter is Coming’ charity appeal in support of homeless people in Redbridge has reached its £2,500 target.
The milestone was reached at 2pm on Monday, 47 days after the appeal was launched. It runs until January 31.
The appeal raised money for the Ilford Salvation Army, a vital charity which has delivered help to hundreds of homeless people in Redbridge.
Captain John Clifton who runs the night shelter alongside his wife Captain Naomi Clifton, said: “It has been so exciting to see the community coming together to support their neighbours on the street.
“The 94 donors have made an amazing contribution to helping people rebuild their lives.
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“Thank you to them, and to the Ilford Recorder for the continued support!”
The Ilford MPs have also paid tribute to readers’ generosity and commitment to changing the lives of vulnerable people.
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Wes Streeting, Ilford North, MP added: “I’d like to thank Ilford Recorder readers for the characteristically generous way in which they’ve responded to this important campaign.
“All of us see the impact of rising homelessness on our streets. It’s now up to the government to invest in the homes and support that people need.”
Mike Gapes, Ilford South MP, added: “That is great news, congratulations.
“Obviously we have a major problem with homelessness in the borough.
“The Salvation Army is doing a fantastic job and I am really pleased that the Ilford Recorder is supporting it.”
More than 90 people donated to our campaign, which kicked off on December 7.
Notably the Redbridge Licensed Taxi Drivers Association (LTDA)
drove a black cab to our office to drop off a cheque for £200, just before Christmas.
On JustGiving, £1,840 was donated through the website, £409 donated directly to the Salvation Army and a further £251 donated via text.
Special thanks should be extended to Tanweer Khan, a resident who donated the final £173 when the Recorder put out an appeal on Tuesday for more donations.
Messages attached to the donations contextualised the kind acts, with one supporter telling us how the Salvation Army had saved their friend’s life.
An anonymous resident said he was “appalled that so many people are homeless,” whilst another added: “We should all support the homeless and be grateful every day that God has given us a roof over our heads.”
The often-life changing interventions of the Ilford SA include the night shelter and the pioneering Project Malachi, which will hopefully see shipping containers transformed into homes for 40 homeless residents in Ilford town centre.
At the hostel, Ilford SA is set to become the landlord for the residents and has pledged to offer each person two and a half hours of support from trained workers.
The money raised by Recorder readers will help fund the caseworker.
