Donations help to raise a smile for families over Christmas

TELFORD-based project management and development company BuildFifty5 Living ended the new year period of celebration with a big donation that will help vulnerable people across the region amid the cost-of-living crisis.

The company wanted to raise awareness of the need for essential food and personal items for Telford Crisis Support – an independent, volunteer-led charity – and appealed to its business neighbours at the Wolverhampton University-based E-Innovation Centre at Priorslee for their support.

Over five weeks, more than 200 items were received, packed and donated. These donations included tins of food, baby products, pet care and personal items for the region’s families who are most in need.

One supporter wasn’t sure what was needed most and handed over £100 in cash so specific items required could be purchased.

Toni Bradbury, Document Controller, and organiser of the appeal said:

“Our aim of the campaign and appeal was to help families and to ease the cost pressures of the toughest months in 2023.

“If through the appeal, we have helped to bring smiles to some families, we know it was absolutely worth doing.

“We were overwhelmed by the generosity and thoughtful donations made and hope that it’s the first of many appeals to come.”

The company works closely with nationally-based social housing and assisted living providers to develop accommodation solutions, and wanted to do something that would give back to local communities. Their current proposed schemes in the area include three affordable retirement schemes and two schemes to provide supported housing.

The first of these is a 39-bedroom retirement scheme in Dawley which is currently being considered by the planning authority and is due to commence on-site in the spring.

Kieran Danby, director of Buildfifty5 Living, said:

“We were absolutely astounded by the valuable donations that were made by so many of our nearby business neighbours, their employees, customers, and our other stakeholders.”

Erin Aston, senior operations assistant at Telford Crisis Support, said:

“We are so grateful to Buildfifty5 Living. The donations will be of great help during January which is one of the toughest months of the year.”