When we heard that Helping Hands Community Project needed a photographer for their charity Gala Dinner last Friday, 8 November, we were delighted to step in and volunteer our services to show our support for this very deserving charity.
Held at the Royal Pump Rooms in Leamington Spa, the fundraising event compered by Touch FM’s Kirsty Leahy, was attended by both local supporting businesses and individuals. As well as the tickets, Helping Hands raised much needed funds through a generously supported auction and raffle.
David was working hard behind the camera to capture as much of the action as possible, while I was being kindly entertained on the Thwaites table, who are regular supporters of Helping Hands, so a special thank you to them.
It was an event that really touched our hearts, especially when we listened to the different accounts of people who had suffered distress and hardship, but thanks to Helping Hands are getting back on their feet. The work of Helping Hands helping vulnerable people in our local community is amazing and for some, is quite literally lifesaving.
Helping Hands is much more than just about providing a meal in their Soup Kitchen for the homeless; they provide support to vulnerable and less fortunate individuals by building up trust and relationships, helping many to get back on track with their lives.
Issues are complex and can range from poverty or homelessness, to domestic violence and other difficulties, but Helping Hands, as we learnt at the Gala Dinner, is really making a difference to people’s lives in the Leamington and Warwick area.
They rely on the support of local businesses, individuals and volunteers – it currently costs about £160,000 a year to run their key programmes which is largely generated from donations, grants and fundraising activities.
One initiative in the lead-up to Christmas is the Helping Hands Christmas Shoebox Appeal, which is a great way to show your support at this time of year.
If you are not familiar with the wonderful work of Helping Hands, then we really urge you to take a look at their website. There are many ways to get involved and show support.
We look forward to supporting Helping Hands in the future and we hope David caught the mood of the evening with his photography.