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Christmas Wish Tree Appeal supporting families in South Ribble and Chorley refuges this winter

Posted on - 12th December, 2023 - 7:00pm | Author - | Posted in - Charities, Christmas, Leyland, Preston News, Proud Preston, South Ribble News
South Ribble and Chorley Women’s Refuge support worker, Zoe
South Ribble and Chorley Women’s Refuge support worker, Zoe

South Ribble and Chorley Women’s Refuges are asking local people to support vulnerable families by taking part in the Christmas Wish Tree Appeal.

For women and children escaping domestic abuse, the thought of not being at home this Christmas can be distressing. Many have fled to the refuges with little more than the clothes on their backs, and Christmas presents are often seen as a luxury they cannot afford.

The idea is simple; visit one of the Wish Trees and select a tag. Each tag provides a wish, for example a colouring book for a young child, a board game for a family, or a box of chocolates for one of the women staying at the refuges. Once the gift has been bought it can be returned unwrapped with the tag to where a Wish Tree is located.

This year’s Christmas Wish Trees can be found in Leyland at Progress Housing Group’s Sumner House office on King Street, and at South Ribble Borough Council’s Civic Centre on West Paddock.

Gifts will be collected at 1pm on Wednesday 20 December in time to be distributed before Christmas.

A Wish Tree in Progress Housing Group’s reception area
A Wish Tree in Progress Housing Group’s reception area

Claire Moxham, Manager of South Ribble and Chorley Women’s Refuges, said: “Each and every year, local people have shown such wonderful Christmas spirit with their overwhelming support of our Wish Tree Appeal. Over the last 20 years you have help make Christmas happen for hundreds of vulnerable families in South Ribble and Chorley.

“This year, we need to ask for your help once again to support families who are victims of domestic abuse and homelessness and staying in our refuges, along with the young people staying in our homelessness accommodation. Your help really does make a big difference.

“From all of us at South Ribble and Chorley Refuges, Progress Housing Group and Key Unlocking Futures we thank you for all your generosity and support.”

If you are suffering from abuse at home or you know someone who is, you can call the South Ribble and Chorley domestic abuse helpline to speak to an advisor in confidence on 01772 435865. The line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Alternatively, phone the free National Domestic Abuse Helpline in confidence, open 24 hours a day, on 0808 200024 or visit www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk.

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