Haverhill charity REACH Community Projects launches its Christmas appeal

In anticipation of what could be, for many, the most difficult Christmas in generations, Haverhill charity REACH Community Projects this week launched its Christmas Appeal with the aim of bringing some hope to struggling families with a few treats which might otherwise not be possible.

With the cost of living still rising, winter approaching and a heightened sense of anticipation of the Government’s budget ahead, REACH, which has offices in Haverhill and Newmarket, wants to step in and help to mitigate the effects of hardship wherever possible and is asking for support from the public in doing so.

Within the appeal, REACH tells the story of Sally, whose husband walked out years ago and left her to bring up three children, working shifts and trying to maintain a satisfactory work/life balance for her family.

“But,” Sally says, “in the last few months things have become impossible. The cost of everything has soared and I am down to shopping for absolute basics, but it’s still not enough”.

Like many this Christmas, a time which in the past might have brought some respite, Sally knows that visitors will not include Santa Claus but may well be the bailiffs with an eviction notice.

Speaking at the launch of the REACH Christmas appeal, CEO Henry Wilson said: “It’s hard to enjoy being with family and friends when you are cold and hungry, but this will be the reality for many on low incomes this year.

“Some of the worst hit will be single parents, like Sally, who don’t qualify for benefits, extra cost of living support or free school meals because they work.”

He added that while they hoped the government would recognise this depth of hardship and despair and take measures to alleviate the suffering, REACH was appealing to all its current supporters and to new donors to contribute in whatever way they could.

All contributions up to £100 will be matched, effectively doubling the amount available to provide hard hit families with some Christmas cheer.

“At this most testing time for many families I am reminded that, at Christmas, we celebrate what happened 2,000 years ago to a family also in considerably basic accommodation and challenging circumstances and we know therefore that the bringing of hope is always possible,” said Henry.

Call 01440 712950 or email info@reachhaverhill.org.uk