Join the YMCA’s elves at Queensgate Shopping Centre this Christmas to wrap gifts and raise vital funds for homeless young people…
Queensgate Shopping Centre recently announced YMCA Cambridgeshire & Peterborough as its charity of the year for 2016/17. As part of the partnership, YMCA is taking over the Christmas wrapping service available in the shopping centre over the festive period.
YMCA Cambridgeshire & Peterborough is looking for members of the public to join Team YMCA to help wrap gifts and raise funds this Christmas.
All money raised from the wrapping will go towards helping to provide young people with a safe place to stay over the Christmas period at YMCA’s Time Stop emergency accommodation.
In 2015, Time Stop provided accommodation for 136 young people who had nowhere else to turn. Through the one-to-one support Time Stop key workers provide, it has facilitated 14 young people moving back home and 11 young people were able to move onto independent living in the community.
Norwich and Peterborough Building Society is the lead partner this year. Alison Ross, Commercial Lending Officer, said: “We’re delighted to be able to help the YMCA raise money for their Time Stop emergency accommodation. Not only does the YMCA offer young people a safe place to stay they also help them make positive decisions for the future to get their lives back on track.
“At N&P Building Society we’re committed to being part of the community and this is one of the many ways we can help others. No-one asks to be homeless – it could happen to any one of us. But we feel we can all do our bit – no matter how small – to help.”
Mark Broadhead, Centre Director at Queensgate Shopping Centre, added: “We’re delighted to welcome the YMCA into the centre this Christmas and help those that need a hand when it comes to the art of gift wrapping. Whether you’ve bought a watch from Fraser Hart or the newest gadget from John Lewis, the YMCA team of festive wrappers can manage all shapes and sizes. For a small donation, you’ll be helping even more people enjoy this Christmas time.”
There are still a number of slots available so if you would like to give up an hour of your time or know an organisation that may want to get involved, please contact fundraising@theymca.org.uk or call 01733 373188.
Other organisations and individuals that are supporting YMCA with Christmas wrapping this year so far include: Queensgate Shopping Centre, Miss Catwalk Perfect UK, BGL, Miss Galaxy Rutland, Peterborough Royals, Peterborough Rugby Club and Newborough Women’s Institute.