YMCA Bournemouth launches Christmas gift campaign for supported housing residents and people experiencing homelessness, in partnership with the HealthBus Trust
YMCA Bournemouth and the HealthBus Trust are calling on the Dorset community to help spread some much-needed Christmas cheer by donating gifts to local people in need this festive season.
Today marks the launch of YMCA Bournemouth’s 19th annual ‘Prezzies for Rezzies’ campaign, which invites members of the public to donate new, unwrapped gifts and write Christmas cards for the residents of YMCA’s supported housing services and for people currently experiencing homelessness, through the HealthBus Trust.
Last Christmas, 105 YMCA residents and 15 people experiencing homelessness, received a personalised package of cards and presents thanks to the kindness of local individuals, families, schools, churches and businesses. Gifts ranged from toiletries and warm clothing to sweet treats, notepads and small hobbies – thoughtful items that made a powerful difference to people who often have no one else to give them a present.
“For many, these are the only gifts they’ll receive at Christmas”
Mark Inkpen, Chief Operations Officer at YMCA Bournemouth, said:
“The festive period should be a time for everyone to feel loved and cared for. Sadly, many of the individuals that YMCA Bournemouth supports, including people experiencing homelessness, have no family or friends to call upon.
Donations from our ‘Prezzies for Rezzies’ campaign are very often the only gifts they’ll receive at Christmas.
It is part of our mission to make the festive period as enjoyable as possible. By creating a personalised package of gifts for each resident and, through the HealthBus Trust, people experiencing homelessness, we hope they feel remembered, valued and not forgotten.
We’d love to see as many donations as possible – whether from an individual, community group or organisation – so we can spread the Christmas cheer even further this year.”
What to donate
All items should be new and unwrapped so YMCA staff can create a suitable package for each person.
Suggested gifts include: reusable cups and water bottles, gloves, scarves, hats, socks, toiletries, gift sets, sweets, food (no alcohol), stationery, art materials, calendars, diaries, colouring pencils, adult colouring books, games, DVDs, puzzles, shop vouchers and hair accessories.
Where to donate
Donations can be dropped off at collection points across Dorset, including:
- YMCA Bournemouth, Delta House, BH1 2BS (open 24 hours; donations accepted until 24 December)
- The Junction, Broadstone, BH18 8AX (until 22 December)
- Bayside Fitness Club, BH15 3SY (until 22 December)
- Stourvale Centre, BH6 5JB (until 22 December)
- Bournemouth Railway Station, BH8 8HX (until 22 December)
Take part, donate, and help someone feel remembered this Christmas
Every gift – no matter how small – helps remind someone that their community cares about them. Your kindness could brighten the Christmas of a former rough sleeper or someone rebuilding their life after homelessness.
For more information or to get your workplace, club or organisation involved, please contact:
Christopher Wakefield, Head of Fundraising, YMCA Bournemouth
christopher.wakefield@ymcabournemouth.org.uk
