Housing group supports Preston’s most vulnerable with winter fundraisers

Bleddyn Howard Christmas presents for people experiencing homelessness

Thanks to the generosity of local communities and its employees, a social housing provider has been able to support some of Preston and South Ribble’s most vulnerable people this winter.

Progress Housing Group, along with its charity arm Key Unlocking Futures’ annual Wish Tree Christmas campaign, received donations of over 200 presents for families staying in South Ribble and Chorley women’s refuges and young people living in its homelessness schemes.

Key’s supported housing projects, which support young people and adults facing homelessness, received a boost as 10-year-old Bleddyn Howard collected hampers for 20 residents at Foundations and Inn 2 in Preston. Meanwhile, former supported housing resident Aaron put together 19 gift boxes for young adults staying at The Bridge and Parker House in Chorley.

Key also launched its first corporate fundraising campaign, Magic Key. Businesses donated more than £11,000 to help the charity continue its work, supporting people to find employment and safe accommodation.

Employees at Progress Housing Group also led their own charity initiatives, raising more than £1,000 for Key, Rosemere Cancer Foundation and St Catherine’s Hospice by donating the money they would have used for a Christmas get together.

The Group’s technology-enabled care service Progress Lifeline and Involvement team also raised £100 for Lancashire Mind through a Christmas jumper and pyjama day.

In addition, employees gave up their time to deliver food parcels to families at Leyland Food Bank and joined tenants at Bridge Court independent living scheme for an afternoon tea and crafting session.

Jacqui De-Rose, Chief Executive of Progress Housing Group, said: “What a fantastic effort from all our colleagues at the Group. Helping to make people’s lives brighter this winter is such an important part of our work, and we are delighted to be able to do this and make a difference.

“We are also very grateful to Bleddyn and Aaron for taking the time and effort to collect gifts which were very well received by our tenants, as well as the local community and businesses who donated to our appeals. It really does mean a lot to our residents and the charities we support.”