Many of our partners and clients will know, that for the second year in a row, Foxley Kingham’s nominated charity partner is NOAH Enterprise. This means that throughout the year, the funds from Foxley Kingham’s fundraising efforts will go directly to support this vital, local organisation. The charity provides a range of support to many suffering in poverty, and from homelessness, across Luton and Central Bedfordshire. Foxley Kingham Directors Tara Aldwin, Paul Bithrey, FKAF Trustee and CEO of Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce Justin Richardson will join the charity CEO Sleepout on Thursday 28th November. And more members of the team are set to join them, with Foxley Kingham committing to match funding for every individual who raises £500.
The work carried out by NOAH Enterprise has never been more vital. In the UK, the cost of living crisis means more and more families are living in extreme poverty, with some facing homelessness and some already living on the streets. NOAH provides vital services and a range of support, including welfare and outreach services, advice and support on a range of topics, and skills and employability training. On top of this, the charity provides hot meals and facilities such as hot showers, clothing, GP services, mobile dentistry, and links to specialist agencies – all delivered in a safe and community-led environment.
The Charity CEO Sleepout will take place at Luton Town Football Club and welcomes participants from businesses in the local area to sleep out from 8pm until 6.30am the following morning. Charity Sleepouts aim to give participants an idea of what it’s like to live on the streets, but of course these events are run in a safe and organised environment – quite different from the true experience of being homeless. During the event, participants will listen to stories delivered by CEO Sleepout’s Lived Experience Ambassadors, individuals who have lived through and overcome homelessness. As well as raising vital funds (each participant is asked to raise at least £1,000 for their charity of choice) fundraisers will leave with a deeper understanding of the issue, and what people and businesses can do to help.
Tara Aldwin, Director of Foxley Kingham commented:
“NOAH Enterprise works hard to raise money to fund the important work they do – but that fundraising is becoming harder to do as people are becoming increasingly cash-strapped.
Now in our second year partnering with NOAH, our aim is to fundraise as much as we possibly can – and what better way to do it, than the sleepout which gives us just a tiny insight into how hard it is to live out on the street.
I’m encouraging our team to take part and commit to raising £500 which FK will then match – although the more you can raise, the more amazing work NOAH will be able to do to support those in need.”
Ahead of the Autumn Statement, NOAH Enterprise co-signed the joint Vincentian Statement calling for the UK Government to take action against poverty, here in the UK. The statement included some stark stats:
- 800,000 UK children are struggling in poverty but do not qualify for free school meals.
- The number of rough sleepers in England alone surged by 18% in the last year.
- 104,510 households are currently living in temporary accommodation – that includes 131,370 children.
- Care of the elderly and disabled people is consistently failing – and the vast majority of the charitable sector agrees that increased funding and national action is required to make it better.
To find out more about NOAH Enterprise and its work in the area, visit the charity’s website. To support Foxley Kingham’s fundraising efforts to raise vital funds for NOAH, visit the fundraising page here and make a donation. You truly will be supporting the best of causes.