Rap Fundraiser Feeds 95 Homeless People at Christmas

In a gesture of goodwill, Rap Interiors’ friends and staff raised money throughout December to feed homeless people in Maidstone on Christmas Day. The funds, which fed 95 people in total, were donated to three local charities: The Salvation Army, Maidstone Day Centre and Lily Smith Hostel.

Much of the credit goes to Rap Interiors Design Director, Julie Anderson, for organising the collection. As word got out about the fundraiser, local village residents of Loose soon became very involved in dropping off food, mince pies, crackers and presents to Julie’s house. The Rap office then became a drop off centre before Julie shared the items fairly between the charities.

Here’s what the charities had to say:

“I want to say a massive thank you to Julie and your team at Rap Interiors for what you did for us over Christmas. The meals were fantastic, especially Christmas Day when we had 51 people who were in need of it access the dinner.The feedback from the day was lovely and while we never underestimate the importance of giving people our time, a place to go, some good food and a listening ear, we are often still blown away by the conversations and things that develop out of it. A few of the homeless that came said it was the best Christmas dinner they’d ever had! You certainly made my life easier and helped to make Christmas for the homeless community in Maidstone much better than it would have been for many.”

Marion Rouffet
The Salvation Army

“As yet another year draws to an end we were delighted to receive your donation of food for our Christmas dinner at the Day Centre. On behalf of everyone at the Day Centre we would like to thank you for thinking of us with such kindness and contributing so very generously. We appreciate your donation as it was vital in ensuring we were able to serve delicious Christmas dinner to our homeless clients and make Christmas a bit merrier for them.”

Zofia Grzymala
Manager, Maidstone Day Centre

Rap Interiors also received a letter of thanks from Andy, one of the homeless people who attended at Christmas:

“My name is Andy; I became homeless a couple of years ago and I was lost. I then discovered Maidstone Day Centre who, in turn, introduced me to the Salvation Army and various other charities where I could get fed, showered, clothed and help finding accommodation. All of these charities rely on donations.I now live in a hostel for vulnerable people called Lily Smith and have been for 18 months. Through a chance meeting with Julie at the Day Centre, your company kindly donated enough food so that eight people – who would have been on their own – had a wonderful Christmas day and boxing day together. Homelessness is an all year round problem. Thanks again for your kindness.”

Andy
Christmas Day Attendee

Everyone involved in the fundraiser is extremely proud by what has been achieved. So proud, in fact, that everyone at Rap Interiors is planning to do the same next year. Let’s hope that the team and friends of Rap can feed even more homeless people on Christmas Day 2019!

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