Do Something Amazing For November
Giving Tuesday is just a month away and we are so excited to be taking part this year. We want to make November all about fundraising, donating and volunteering and we can’t do it without you. Your generosity and enthusiasm over the years has enabled us to help thousands of homeless people, and this month we are focusing on the act of giving.
What’s it all about?
Giving Tuesday is on 29th November. It is a day when people and organisations from across the globe come together to support the causes and communities that mean so much to them. CENS has become a crucial part of the Colchester community and your ongoing support and encouragement is what keeps us all going.
We are asking you to help us reach our goal of raising £2000 by Tuesday 29th November, to help make a difference to the lives of our residents and those that may need our services in the future. But why do we need to do this?
Spiralling Costs
Everyone is struggling right now, but here at the shelter we are really noticing the cost-of-living crisis. Our bills alone have soared. We provide a warm and comfortable home for our residents, away from the cold streets – and heating a large, old building with 17 separate bedrooms takes a lot of energy. Each of our rooms has an ensuite shower so that our residents have the privacy and dignity of personal space – something most of us take for granted. But that’s a lot of water to heat! We also provide breakfast and a hot evening meal every day for all our residents, and, for the first time, we are struggling to keep up with the rising cost of food – even with the help of our partners Fareshare.
Homelessness Rising
On top of everything else, our services are in higher demand than ever before. A culmination of the effects of the pandemic and the rising costs of living have pushed more and more people to the brink of homelessness. All our rooms are currently occupied, and we are unfortunately having to turn people away daily. That’s why it is crucial we keep our doors open to the most vulnerable people in our community, by offering them a safe, warm space and the support they need to move onto independent living once again.
How You Can Help
Giving Tuesday is all about collaboration, so spread the word, tell your friends and family, and get them involved in a quick and easy fundraiser. Maybe you can spare a donation – every penny you donate goes towards helping a homeless person. Together we can make generosity a way of life.
Throughout the month of November, we will be sharing stories from past fundraisers, residents, staff, and supporters. Tales of selflessness, generosity, and kindness. We will also be offering a little bit of inspiration and guidance for your future fundraising events and volunteering opportunities.
We have set a target of £2000 to raise throughout November which will help us stock up our food cupboards and when the cold winter months arrive, we can ensure our residents have a warm place to come home to every night. If you’d like to give to CENS this November, you can donate using our Giving Tuesday donation link here. Thank you so much from all of the staff and residents at CENS.
