Posted on 14 December 2022
With the help of Aspire – our Women’s Group - we raised over £600. We bought presents for the Rotary Club in Chichester to provide Christmas sacks to families affected by domestic abuse, and who may not get any presents this Christmas.
Packed with essentials and Christmas treats including toiletries, food vouchers and cold weather accessories, the sacks also contain special gifts for mums and presents for children.
The project was co-ordinated by our Fundraising Manager, Nimi Shephard-Patel and Advocacy Advisor, Melanie Smith. As well as the gifts for mothers, they were also able to secure chocolates, treats and toy donations.
Nimi said: “I could see how much services in Chichester, particularly at My Sisters’ House, are overwhelmed at the moment. So, I wanted to do what I could to help – which involved working with the Chichester Rotary Club to provide Christmas sacks.
“The incredible club made over 500 sacks. The logistics and delivery of such a mammoth project took an inordinate amount of effort, so a huge ‘thank you’ to all the rotary club volunteers!”
Melanie said: “I was overwhelmed by what was in the sacks – Chichester Rotary Club really have thought of everything. Cost of living related difficulties means that there is even more demand for support this year, and we feel very proud that we were able to help.”
The photo shows the contents for one family: a single mum with three children aged 8, 6 and 3.
Find more information and resources on domestic abuse.
If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic abuse you can access help and support from the National Domestic Violence Helpline, Women’s Aid and Refuge on 0808 2000 247.
If you or others are in immediate danger, phone the police on 999.