Specsavers Aberdare has helped raise £1,600 to support people experiencing homelessness this winter, with all funds going to The Wallich’s winter appeal.
Thirteen stores from North, South and West Wales donated £1 for every customer feedback form completed during November to help The Wallich, Wales’ largest homelessness and rough sleeping charity, continue its vital work.
Supporting more than 8,000 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness across the nation each year, The Wallich runs around 100 diverse projects across 20 local authorities to provide hope, support and solutions to end homelessness.[1]
Funds raised by Specsavers will go directly to the Wallich’s Flexible Assistance Fund, which provides small but vital emergency grants. The grants support people at crucial turning points, helping cover essential costs such as phone credit, rent or food shops.
This initiative is a continuation of Specsavers’ wider homelessness programme, which sees over a hundred Specsavers stores and Home Visits services hold out-of-hours or pop-up clinics and invite people affected by forms of homelessness to use their services for free.
Specsavers’ North Wales regional relationship manager, Martin Lawrence, who helped organise the fundraiser, says: ‘We’re really proud to be supporting The Wallich’s winter appeal at a time when support is needed most.
‘Homelessness affects people in every community and as locally owned and run businesses, Specsavers stores are committed to raising awareness of the issue and supporting people through their toughest moments.
‘We’re excited to build on the success of this fundraiser and strengthen our partnership with The Wallich in the new year.’
Louisa Turner, head of fundraising at The Wallich, adds: ‘Winter can be an incredibly difficult time for people experiencing homelessness and this support from Specsavers will make a real difference.
‘The funds raised will help provide emergency grants at critical moments – whether that’s putting food on the table, helping someone stay connected with their loved ones or preventing someone from losing a safe place to live.
‘This kind of support creates vital turning points and helps people move towards a safer, more secure future.’
Specsavers works year-round with homelessness charities including Crisis, Vision Care and The Big Issue, to improve access to healthcare and advocate for policy change – ensuring people experiencing homelessness can receive free eye tests, glasses and hearing checks.
To find out more about Specsavers or to book an appointment at your local store, visit: https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores.
Related Posts
WELSH HOMELESSNESS CHARITY REPORTS RISE IN ENTRENCHED HOMELESSNESS
The Bookstart Superbox Programme, 2016 ‘Experiencing Books’
Byte Night Wales helps raise a magic £1million to prevent youth homelessness