As families across Herefordshire face increasing pressure, a series of quiet but meaningful acts of generosity by business and individuals are helping to support those most in need through local charity Vennture.
With demand for emergency accommodation and family support services remaining high over the winter period, Vennture was delighted to receive donations that directly help vulnerable children and parents.
One of the contributions came from the Hereford Primark team, who selected Vennture as their chosen charity and donated 36 Christmas parcels. The parcels went to households supported through Vennture’s emergency accommodation and family programmes. Christmas hampers and Christmas food were donated by faith groups including Hereford Baptise Church and The Living Hope.
Support also came from a Hereford family who gave Christmas presents to Vennture to pass to children and young people. Each year, the family selects a cause to help, and this year, it was Vennture.
A charity quiz, held by Galileo Event Solutions before Christmas, with raffle prizes from 16 businesses and organisations, raised £671 for Vennture’s year round Street Presence team. The money will support Vennture volunteers who provide a reassuring presence on the streets of Hereford during busy weekend nights.
Vennture also received an unexpected £500 donation from Platform Housing, a national non-profit housing association with affordable homes in Herefordshire. The donation will help Vennture continue its work supporting families experiencing crisis and instability.
Over a six week period ending on the 31 December, online donations direct to Vennture totalled over £2,300 (and counting). This included contributions from Hereford Times readers in support of the paper’s Christmas appeal for Vennture.
While the donations varied in size and source, Imogen Abbott from Vennture says they were united by the same purpose: “practical kindness, directed exactly where it is needed by businesses and people”, said Imogen. She also thanked those who provide regular donations which give the charity stability to plan for the future.
Vennture welcomes support from businesses and individuals—through partnerships, donations, volunteering, or fundraising—to help strengthen families and transform communities. To find out more please visit their website at https://www.vennture.org.uk/
Image: L-R , Imogen Abbott from Vennture with Chole DeMaggio, Hereford Primark branch manager.