Cheltenham solicitors collect essential items for the homeless
Members of staff at Cheltenham legal firm, BPE Solicitors, have collected essential items for homeless people in need this winter in support of Gloucestershire charity, Emmaus.
Led by Senior Associate, Anna Wood, the firm appealed for staff to donate warm socks, coats, jumpers and sleeping bags which will be given to people in the local area who will spend cold nights on the street this winter. Staff were also encouraged to make cash donations to the charity and raised a further £60 which will be spent on buying essential items for Gloucestershire’s street homeless.
Anna, who works in BPE’s Construction and Engineering Team, said: “It’s easy to take our comfort for granted when we’re in our warm homes, cars and offices, but we need to remember that there are people in Gloucestershire who are sleeping on the streets.
“Having warm clothes and a warm sleeping bag can make a big difference, and I’m so grateful for the generosity of everyone at BPE in their support of Emmaus.”
Established in 2006, Emmaus Gloucestershire is a community charity which aims to provide homeless people with the support and stability they need to move on with their lives. The charity has shops in Nailsworth, Stroud, Cheltenham and Gloucester.
BPE Senior Partner, John Workman, added: “It’s hard to imagine what it’s like living on the streets, even more so during this time of year. As the temperature drops we need to think of people who have fallen on hard times and get involved to make a difference in our local area. I’m delighted that Anna has brought this to our attention and equally delighted that we have been able to collect so many items of warm clothing for the people that need them most.”
To raise essential funds and to highlight homelessness issues in the locality, volunteers from Emmaus Gloucestershire will be taking part in a sleep-out in Cheltenham on Saturday 3 December. The Charity is also hosting a “Soup and Stew” event at its Cheltenham shop on 28 November. For more information, go to http://www.emmaus.org.uk/gloucestershire.
These notes have been prepared for the purpose of articles only. They should not be regarded as a substitute for taking legal advice.