Volunteers knit 189 figures for HARP's Christmas tree!

Kind-hearted volunteers have been hard at work to produce knitted figures that will be used by local homeless charity, HARP, to decorate a community Christmas Tree at Holy Trinity Church in Rayleigh this week.

Decorating a tree with family at Christmas time is an important part of the festivities for many, but for people facing homelessness it might understandably be the last thing on their minds. However this Christmas, HARP are getting involved with decorating Christmas trees in the community and showing that you don’t need your own tree to be involved with the festivities.

For those that do not have a home of their own, or may have disconnected with family, Christmas can be a painful time; but HARP know that taking part in community events can really boost morale, self-esteem and reduce loneliness at this important time of year.

Last December alone HARP supported 189 individuals that were either homeless or facing homelessness, and for this reason the volunteer knitters created 189 figures, one for each of the people that HARP supported last Christmas time. Thanks to support, many of them are now living full and independent lives in homes of their own. The figures will decorate a tree at Holy Trinity Church in Rayleigh in time for the town’s Christmas lights switch on Thursday 30th November. The festival runs until Monday 4th December and is open to all.

Our Community Fundraiser, Lisa Walton, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for those at HARP that are facing a troubled Christmas to feel part of something special, and we are thrilled to be involved with such a wonderful event. We hope those that are passionate about ending rough sleeping will pay our tree a visit and spare a thought to those less fortunate this Christmas – we are working hard to make Christmas special for those in crisis and are hoping the community will get behind us by donating just £10 to our Christmas Appeal which will buy so much more than a Christmas meal”.

To donate £10 to HARP simply text XMAS09 £10 to 70070 or head here for more ways to help local homeless people this Christmas.