Baker Goodchild supports the Birmingham Christmas Shelter

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Birmingham based Baker Goodchild has announced that in the lead up to the festive period it is pledging its support to local homeless shelter charity, The Birmingham Christmas Shelter.

The direct mail fulfilment company is a long standing supporter of many worthwhile charities, and this year, it has decided that instead of sending out hampers and advent calendars to customers and suppliers, it will instead use the money that it would normally spend on those items to make a donation to The Birmingham Christmas Shelter.

Managing director Lorraine Burnell stated, ‘The reason we have chosen this specific charity is because the well known ones are already getting a lot of support. We wanted to help a small charity that would make a big difference. The donations are really, really generous and the whole Baker Goodchild team support the initiative and many have volunteered to help during the busy days. We should also urge our customers and suppliers to offer their support by donating money or their time by volunteering.’

Lorraine added, ‘We have researched a lot on local homeless shelters and I fell in love with this homeless shelter, as they do so much. They rely heavily on donations and volunteers, so I have urged our staff that we could all help by donating some of our time if they are free. I have spoken to some of the trustees and they are over the moon that Baker Goodchild is helping out this year. We are also planning to look in to creating a Just Giving page or informing everyone on our Christmas cards, in case our clients would like to donate too.’

The Birmingham Christmas Shelter is a registered charity that is run entirely by volunteers. Its aim is to provide food, warmth, shelter and friendship to the homeless and lonely of Birmingham during the Christmas period, regardless of gender, colour, race or religion. It provides an essential service during a time when many other facilities are closed.

The doors at the shelter are open to guests 24 hours a day during the Christmas week, and typically it would have up to 180 homeless on a daily basis, providing three hot meals per day, as well as a continuous tea and coffee and sandwich bar service. Additionally, those who visit the shelter during this period can also get haircuts, showers, have chiropody or dental treatment, enjoy entertainment, obtain clothing and also have a safe, warm place to sleep.

Birmingham Christmas Shelter depends entirely on donations and around 200 very generous volunteers give of their free time over the Christmas week to help out in the shelter.