Do something creative to celebrate 50 years of homeless help
A homelessness charity has kicked off a fundraising campaign as part of a half-century celebration of helping people.
The Good Shepherd is kicking off celebrations to mark a 50-year association with Wolverhampton with a "50 Years of Good" fundraising campaign this summer.
The Brothers of the Good Shepherd first set up in Thornley Street in 1972 to help the homeless and vulnerable in Wolverhampton and are still heavily involved with operations at the charity's base on Waterloo Road.
Ahead of next year’s commemorations, the Good Shepherd is encouraging supporters to take part in a fundraising activity of their choosing over 50 days between June 7 and July 26.
The fundraising event aims to help the Good Shepherd continue to provide support to those who need it across the city.
Head of operations Tom Hayden said the aim was to start the celebrations early to mark the Brother's achievement and also continue helping those who need the help most.
He said: "Like many charities, we have lost out on income due to not being able to hold any events or fundraising activities during the pandemic.
"We've remained heartened, however, by how so many people have continued to support us with donations of either money or food.
"Hopefully, as restrictions now ease and we can all perhaps become a bit more active once again, people will think of a fundraising activity taking place over this 50-day period to mark the Brothers’ fantastic contributions."
Pandemic year
The Good Shepherd has kept its doors open over those last 50 years supporting people not just with food, but a range of other issues including accommodation, mental health, addiction and financial advice.
During the last financial year, 1,089 individuals accessed the Good Shepherd for food and other support and a total of 26,720 hot meals were served.
The charity’s staff and volunteers are also getting involved with "50 Years Of Good" with activities organised so far including walking, running and cycling as well as a car wash and cooking-based 50 second challenges.
Tom Hayden said he is planning to swim 21 miles, the length of the English Channel, for his fundraiser and encouraged people to get creative.
He said: “It can literally be anything people want to do and are able to do, whether it’s involving some form of activity or exercise or something less strenuous or completely different.
"Any amount that people are able to raise will have a positive impact on the work of the Good Shepherd and ensure we can continue to provide support across many different areas for the people of Wolverhampton."
To find out more about the campaign and to make a donation, go to shorturl.at/dfvDO.
