A time for gifts as residents help families in need  

A Bournemouth charitable organisation has thanked residents and staff at Avon Cliff for donations of gifts to help families and children in need

It follows a delivery of more than 80 items including toys, books, games and puzzles to BCHA, the Bournemouth Churches Housing Association.

The gifts were collected by our staff and residents at the home and by employees at our Ringwood head office, Colten House.

Two residents explained their reasons for helping.

Peter Kennard said: “It is good to support such a worthwhile local charity especially at this time of year.”

Sylvia Williams said: “It is very important to think of others at Christmas time.”

Many of the gifts will be distributed to families and children supported by BCHA at the organisation’s various refuges for those affected by domestic abuse.

Some will also go to BCHA’s Liberty project which helps victims of human trafficking and slavery.

Michelle Lewis, BCHA’s Change, Transformation and Growth Co-ordinator, said the gifts would be appreciated well into the New Year, adding: “This is a lovely donation. Because of the kindness and support of Avon Cliff residents and those employees who donated from Colten Care’s head office, there will be lots of grateful children among the families we help. Thank you!”

BCHA was founded over 50 years ago with a continuing mission to meet housing need and end homelessness.

The charitable organisation now helps more than 10,000 people off the streets, out of abuse, over skills barriers and onto independence and work each year.