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Accountancy firm HB&O has donated a self-curated reverse advent calendar of essential items to LWS Night Shelter, a charity supporting homeless and vulnerably-housed people in Leamington Spa and the surrounding area.
Staff at the firm’s Birmingham, Coventry and Leamington offices contributed items each day throughout December, filling an oversized advent calendar with donations intended for people using the night shelter over the Christmas period.
The donation was delivered shortly before Christmas to LWS Night Shelter, which provides hot meals, a safe place to sleep and companionship for people experiencing homelessness.
HB&O is a long-time supporter of the charity, but this is the first time it has organised a reverse advent calendar. Members of the Leamington accounts team visited the charity’s base to deliver the items and meet volunteers involved in distributing them.
Mark Ashfield, managing director of HB&O, said: “Christmas can be an especially difficult time for people without stable housing. Our team wanted to do something meaningful that offered both dignity and warmth.
“The advent calendar is a simple concept, but it reflects the generosity and empathy of our staff, who have gone above and beyond to support our community this year. The project is an opportunity to raise awareness of homelessness in the Midlands and to encourage other businesses to consider small but impactful ways they can contribute.”
A spokesperson for LWS Night Shelter added: “We are incredibly grateful for this donation. These items will make a real difference to people facing harsh conditions at this time of year.”
Earlier this year, the firm also raised funds for the regional air ambulance service, its charity of the year, through a series of activities including a bingo evening at Leamington Cricket Club, with proceeds supporting emergency services across several Midlands counties.
