AWE’s annual Christmas charity collection saw AWE staff generously donate food, essentials, toys and clothing to a number of deserving charities. COVID-safe collection points were staffed by volunteers at the two sites, allowing staff to drop off charitable donations.
Altogether an impressive 1.5 tonnes of food, one van full of essentials and clothes, along with many toys and games were donated by staff. The food was packed into hampers and distributed to the Trussell Trust’s Basingstoke Foodbank and the toys given to children’s charity Barnardo’s.
The main beneficiary of essential goods – which included toiletries, sleeping bags, hand warmers and foil blankets – was Nishkam SWAT (Sikh Welfare and Awareness Team) to help its local homeless and community support teams. However, due to the significant amount donated, essentials were also given to The Cowshed, a crisis charity that provides clothing and other items for individuals and families in Berkshire experiencing hardship.
Rupee, Nishkam SWAT’s Reading Outreach Team Leader commented: “This is the third year that AWE has supported Nishkam SWAT and we are truly blessed by the generosity shown by AWE staff to support a community in Reading which benefits so greatly from all these donations.”
Rebecca Mole of The Cowshed, commented: “We would like to thank AWE for supporting the charity with their clothing donation drive. The Cowshed has seen a huge increase in the numbers of people being referred for support and we really do appreciate the ongoing donations from AWE and their contribution towards helping these families at a time of crisis.”
Picture shows: AWE volunteer Dario with some of the donations for Nishkam SWAT.