Homelessness charity Framework provides accommodation for 160 people in the county each night. It wants to ensure that none of them feel forgotten this Christmas by giving each of them access to a present and a dinner. It wants to raise £7,000 to fund this and other life-enhancing initiatives heading into the New Year.
Framework will be hosting a Gift Tree Festival in Lincoln’s Waterside Shopping Centre between December 3rd and 23rd, and is asking local businesses to commit to sponsoring and decorating12 trees – all kindly donated by Fillingham Christmas Trees. Alongside the Gift Tree Festival, Framework will also be reaching out to the Lincolnshire community asking them to donate gifts for people staying with Framework at Christmas.
Framework resident Mandi, who was street homeless and dependent on alcohol before getting help from Framework, said “Christmas can be an especially tough time of year when you are homeless because it reminds you of all the things you have lost. Homeless people spend Christmas day reflecting on the loss of loved ones and family. I remember catching glimpse of Christmas festivities whilst peering through someone’s window at their TV.”
The first tree has been sponsored by Robert Woodhead Ltd. Fay Paterson, Business Development Manager, explained: “Framework is a very important charity to us. Christmas is a really difficult time of year for homeless people so sponsoring a gift tree is an ideal opportunity for us to help make Christmas better. We would encourage others to participate in what is great opportunity to improve lives of homeless people in Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.”
Chantelle Henderson, Marketing Coordinator at Waterside Shopping, added: “We couldn’t be happier to help support Framework’s first-ever Gift Tree Festival later this year.”
“Not only is it a great chance for businesses to show their Christmas spirit by giving back to an important local charity, but it’s also a fantastic opportunity to get some extra Christmastime exposure in the centre - which will have thousands of shoppers passing through, getting ready for the 25th”
The charity has had a great response so far from local businesses and hopes to have all sponsors confirmed by October, 30.
If you work for a local business and interested in being part of The Gift Tree Festival, please contact event organiser Sarah Cross 07964 974 304 or by email at [email protected].