‘Spare Change for Real Change’ campaign surpasses last year’s target
The ‘Spare Change for Real Change’ campaign which recently took place in the High Street has seen a significant increase in donations thanks to the generosity of local residents and visitors to the city.
Over a period of five months £1,000 has already been raised, in comparison to last year’s annual total of £1,500. £100 was collected during the launch in the High Street which was an unexpected bonus. Plus around £30 in text donations.
The campaign was re-launched in June by Winchester City Council and the Winchester Business Improvement District (BID) and many local businesses support the campaign by hosting the little red donation boxes.
The aim of the campaign is to encourage people to give their spare change to dedicated local charities that support the homeless instead of handing money to street-beggars.
Cllr Caroline Horrill, Winchester City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Housing said:
When people give money with the best of intentions to those begging in Winchester it can perpetuate the problem by keeping individuals at risk and encouraging them to continue a life on the streets. Our aim is to stop this cycle of begging and urge those who want to help to give their donations to local charities working directly with the homeless to turn their lives around.
Catherine Turness, Executive Director at the Winchester BID said
This scheme offers Winchester residents and visitors the chance to support homeless people with the confidence that their donation will be used directly to improve services for those sleeping rough. Look out for the red house-shaped donation boxes at shops and businesses in Winchester. Putting your spare change in the box will contribute to a long-term solution to homelessness. If your business can ‘house’ a donation box then please get in touch with us.
People may also donate by texting REAL17 £2/£5/£10 to 70070.
Winchester Churches Nightshelter and Trinity Winchester offer support for people to get back into long-term accommodation and help rebuild their lives. All the donations through the campaign are used to improve the charities’ services for those sleeping rough.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of the charities’ work, the issues surrounding street-begging and the best way to give donations.