Haven women's refuge launches festive appeal
A charity aimed at helping women and children escape domestic violence and abuse has launched its annual Christmas appeal.
The Haven in Wolverhampton is running a number of initiatives to help raise vital funds and spread festive cheer.
Firstly it is appealing for donations as part of the Big Give scheme to help fund its range of therapeutic services which help women and children the short and long-term effects of domestic abuse.
Contributions are doubled if they are made through the Big Give website from 12pm on December 3 to 10.
The charity also wants to provide all of the women and children in its refuges with a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings.
It is appealing for supermarket vouchers or cash donations towards food.
The Haven is also encouraging schools and offices to host a Christmas jumper day in lieu of sending cards to colleagues.
Groups can request a free giant Christmas card poster to display at their event with space to add a festive message to their friends or colleagues.
Designed
But people who would like to send Christmas cards can still support the charity by purchasing its own specially designed packs.
A six-year-old boy in one of the refuges has designed a Christmas card this year and they cost £3.50 for a pack of 10.
Finally, the charity is grateful for donations of new toys and gifts and new single bedding sets for children.
People are asked to donate them unwrapped so women and children can choose and wrap gifts themselves for an extra personal touch.
Fundraiser manager Jade Secker said: "Everyone at The Haven is so grateful to all of those in the community that go above and beyond to help us make Christmas a little brighter for those who have fled domestic abuse.
"Christmas is supposed to be a time for family festivities and positive memories, however, this can be a really difficult time of year for those who are supported by The Haven.
"There are lots of ways that people can help us to make Christmas special, and we hope as many people as possible will help us create the all-round experience that the women and children we support truly deserve."
To find out more call the charity on 01902 904 677 ext 3000 or email give@havenrefuge.org.uk
