Gift-wrapping Service Will Help End Homelessness In Guildford This Christmas

Published on: 18 Dec, 2021
Updated on: 17 Dec, 2021

An organisation successfully tackling homelessness in Guildford is offering a free present-wrapping service in the run up to Christmas. It is hoped that customers will make a charitable donation.

The gift-wrapping service will be located in the White Lion Walk Shopping Centre in Guildford from Monday, December 20 through to Christmas Eve.

People helped by Real Change Guildford want to give something back to the community through offering a free present-wrapping service.

The shop premises are being provided by Real Change Guildford, a grassroots community initiative which successfully ended homelessness for 20 people in its first year of operation. The initiative takes people away from the streets to having their own front door.

Real Change Guildford provides small amounts of money and practical items for individuals, to help them build new lives away from the streets. The fund supports those affected by homelessness by paying for such things as identification, a deposit to help secure a home for rent, a training course, or clothes for a job interview.

The charity is funded by donations from local businesses, local people and organisations like Guildford Borough Council.

Fundraising for Real Change was negatively affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, though the service continued operating throughout.

People affected by homelessness and helped by Real Change Guildford now want to give something back to the community this Christmas through offering a free present-wrapping service.

Customers will not require an appointment for the service. Donations are welcomed, which will go towards the charity’s work.

Ketan Patel, interim head of operations at Riverside Social Housing, said: “Real Change Guildford has offered a helping hand to many homeless people in Guildford and our support prevented or ended homelessness for 20 people in its first year.

“Those who have benefited from our service want to give something back this Christmas through helping local people with their present wrapping.

“We encourage anyone who would like help with their wrapping to visit our free service next week. There will be an opportunity to donate towards the work of Real Change Guildford, which will support our work with those affected by homelessness within our community.”

The gift-wrapping service will be available from Monday, December 20 to Thursday December 23 from 10am to 4pm, and then on Friday December 24 from 10am to 1pm.

Sir & Bro Coffee Shop will be offering customers who use the charity gift wrap service 15 per cent off all purchases in their cafe in White Lion Walk, while they wait for their gifts to be wrapped.

Party Shop Partido will be providing Real Change with festive decor and wrap, and Biddles of Guildford will donate sellotape, scissors and everything needed stationery-wise.