YMCA Bournemouth and the HealthBus Trust are appealing for the Dorset community to spread some Christmas cheer by giving a gift to those in need this festive period.
The YMCA’s 18th ‘Prezzies for Rezzies’ campaign launches, where we encourage members of the public to write Christmas cards and donate gifts for residents of our supported housing services and this year, people experiencing homelessness.
Last year, 110 residents received a package of personal cards and presents from the public, including toiletries, winter clothing, and chocolate.
Mark Inkpen, Chief Operations Officer at YMCA Bournemouth commented: “The festive period should be a time for everyone to feel loved and cared for but sadly, many of the individuals that YMCA Bournemouth support and people experiencing homelessness, do not have any family or friends to call upon. This means that donations from our ‘Prezzies for Rezzies’ campaign are very often the only gifts they’ll receive at Christmas.
“It is part of our mission to make the festive period as enjoyable as possible for our supported housing residents and this year, people experiencing homelessness. By creating a package of personal gifts for each resident and via the HealthBus Trust, people experiencing homelessness, we hope that they will feel that they are not forgotten during the festive period. We’d love to see as many donations as possible, whether from an individual or organisation, so that we can spread the Christmas cheer even further this year.”
Accepted gifts include reusable cups, water bottles, gloves, scarves, hats, socks, food (no alcohol), sweets, stationery, art materials, calendars, diaries, colouring pencils, paints, adult colouring books, toiletries, gift sets, hair accessories, DVDs, games, shop vouchers, and puzzles.
We kindly request that no gifts are wrapped, as we will create a special package from donations for each individual.
Collection points are located across Dorset at The Junction Centre in Broadstone, Delta House on Westover Road, Bayside Fitness Club in Poole and Pokesdown and Southbourne Children’s Centre.
To find out more and donate, visit https://www.ymcabournemouth.org.uk/housing/prezzies-for-rezzies/
