Housing workers get festive to help families in poverty

Salix Homesstaffdonned their novelty knitwear to raise money for families in poverty this Christmas.

Employeeswore their best festive sweaters to celebrate National Christmas Jumper Day on Friday, December 18 and organised a raffle to raise funds for the Wood Street Mission’s Christmas Appeal.

The Manchester-based charity supports children and families in poverty across Manchester and Salford throughout the year, but at Christmas they supply toys and food parcels for families experiencing hardship.

The festive fundraising feat raisedmore than £160for the charity.

Lee Sugden, chief executive at Salix Homes, said: “The Wood Street Mission is a wonderful charity which provides a lifeline for local families in need, including some of our own tenants, so we are very proud to support the sterling work they do across Salford and Manchester.

“While many people will be looking forward to the Christmas festivities, for families affected by poverty it can be a very difficult time of year, but thanks to charities like the Wood Street Mission, some of the more disadvantaged people in our city can look forward to a brighter Christmas.

“It was great to see so many of our employees getting into the festive spirit on Christmas Jumper Day. It certainly brought a smile to our faces and we hope our donation will go some way to bringing a smile to the faces of children in poverty this Christmas.”

Roseanne Sweeney, chief executive of Wood Street Mission, added: “Christmas is a difficult time of year for struggling families. We will be giving out toys and food to about 2,000 families and 4,500 children so they can join in the fun and festivities. Salix Homes’ Christmas Jumper Day fundraiser will help us in ensuring Christmas gets off to a great start for local kids.”

To find out more about the Wood Street Mission, go to www.woodstreetmission.org.uk