The Good Shepherd are appealing for supporters to consider a regular donation to the charity to help it continue to extend its services and provide long-term help to the homeless and vulnerable in Wolverhampton.
The charity, now based in Waterloo Road opposite Molineux, is reliant on fundraising vital funds to provide a range of services to the people in need of their help, with over 1,000 coming through the doors last year.
Like many charities the Good Shepherd is missing out on important fundraising events due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and is now asking if, where possible, supporters might be able to consider making a regular monthly donation.
“These are very difficult times for a lot of charities, but we are managing to continue to deliver our services providing meals from Monday to Friday and all of our other regular support and advice from our project workers,” says Helen Holloway, Admin and Finance Manager at the Good Shepherd.
“The number of people needing to access our food service has risen by between 40 and 50 per cent, to about 170 every single day.
“We remain so very appreciative of those who support us in different ways, whether by giving their time or via fundraising, and are just asking whether anyone else would consider making a small regular monthly donation to the charity.
“If people are even able to afford just a small donation every month, it brings us more stability and helps us with our budgeting to ensure we can plan ahead for the food service and meaningful activity programme which aims to help those we support return to a normal and fulfilled life.”
Any amount donated, however large or small, has a really positive impact on the Good Shepherd, with such a wide range of services provided.
For example, £2 pays for a shower and laundry service for a client, £6 pays for two individuals to enjoy a hot, wholesome meal and £10 is enough for four takeout meals.
An evening activity costs £30 to run, £50 keeps the two Good Shepherd vans on the road for a week to pick up supplies, £75 covers the cost for a starter pack for someone moving into accommodation and £250 pays for a full dining service for everyone attending for a day.
John and Wendy Bate both volunteer at the Good Shepherd and have provided a regular monthly donation for a considerable time.
“We support the Good Shepherd with a monthly donation because we recognise the value of their work as a vital hands-on service to people in our own local community,” say John and Wendy.
“Social, emotional, practical, challenging and very caring support is offered in appropriate ways to folk whose lives have become dysfunctional due to a variety of reasons which are not always of their own making.
“We have offered our service as volunteers over the last ten years or so – in which time the Good Shepherd has developed and expanded enormously – but so has the need.
“We only offer a few hours each week, and initially we were making sandwiches but now we help with serving hot lunches and drinks.”
Another valued and regular donor to the Good Shepherd is Paul, from Wolverhampton.
“When you have a home, family and a job, it’s too easy not to think of others who don’t have these things,” says Paul.
“Please give regularly and if you are a UK tax payer, include gift aid, because the Inland Revenue will add 25% extra.”
For Lorna Stevens, regular financial donations are a straightforward way she can ensure she is supporting the Good Shepherd on an ongoing basis.
“Seeing more and more people living on the streets, I felt there must be a way of helping them other than giving a sandwich or hot drink,” says Lorna.
“I can think of few things more frightening than being alone with no safe place to live, not knowing where the next meal is coming from.
“Hearing about the work of the Good Shepherd centre I wanted to help but I am not physically fit enough to volunteer practical assistance.
“I know that my regular financial contributions are being put to good use in this vital, caring work and I am delighted the new premises are up and running.”
Janice makes her regular donation having previously volunteered at the Good Shepherd after being inspired by a visit to the Holy Land.
“The first time I helped was a Christmas Day and two people stood out,” she said.
“One was an elderly woman who was so hungry she kept her head down and hungrily had three helpings, which was allowed on Christmas Day.
“ She didn’t speak but just left and I never saw her again while I was helping regularly.
“The other was an elderly man wearing a jacket where the sleeves were too short for his arms.
“He sank down on to a seat and told me he had walked six miles to the only place open – he had numerous cups of tea/coffee before he recovered from the walk.”
Anyone who feels able to support the Good Shepherd in this way is asked to email Helen on [email protected] or call on (01902) 399955.