At the end of every year we ask our head office staff to nominate a charity that they would like to support at Christmas; we always receive so many worthy nominations. We are pleased to share the charity who will be receiving our monetary support this Christmas...

What is The Cowshed?

This year we have chosen to donate our Christmas gift to The Cowshed in Wokingham. This charity was founded back in 2018, out of a heart to provide practical support to people of all backgrounds, during times of personal crisis. They work with people in the local community, supplying them with good quality clothes, as well as essential items that they might otherwise go without. Since the start of 2019, they have helped more than 20,000 people.

In the charity's words:

"Our support extends to individuals of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds facing various difficult situations. From individuals escaping domestic abuse and families experiencing emergency rehousing, to those affected by health-related poverty, homelessness, or emergency custody situations, we stand by their side, offering support with clothing, shoes, bedding, curtains, school uniforms, baby equipment, and other essentials."

How Do Donations Help?

Each week the charity receives referrals from all sorts of local agencies - health visitors, social services, Foodbanks, schools, refuges, churches, doctors and local charities. They want to ensure that the items supplied to people are of excellent quality: "receiving support during challenging times should feel like a gift rather than a handout." They want to ensure that their clients feel valued and cared for, by offering a selection of high-quality items that can uplift and empower individuals, helping them navigate their personal crisis with confidence.

The Cowshed's donations centre is based just down the road from our head office in Fishponds Road, Wokingham. You can find more detail on what they would like to receive, here.

How is The Cowshed Helping People this Christmas?

Every Christmas, The Cowshed helps thousands of children who would not otherwise receive a present. Referrals are sent to them and gifts are lovingly wrapped and sorted, depending on age and interests. The local craft group makes the Christmas sacks and these are delivered to homes in time for Christmas. Last year, 3148 children received one of these precious gifts. We are pleased to play our part in that this year.