Around 2,400 rucksacks donated plus extra donations of clothes, food, toiletries, sleeping bags as well. Just wow!
So many companies to thank, those acting as hubs, those with vans doing deliveries, those who gave us food and donations, those whose staff spent the day helping us... Tesco Fratton and North Harbour, Greggs, Riches bakery and Hyde Property Services to name a few!
So many individuals to thank; my mum Tracey and Kat sorting and packing clothes all day, my colleagues from work Chris and Luke delivering donations across Hampshire for charities, Lorraine from HMS Sultan who worked the food bank like a complete pro, Becky from Little Kanga dealing with the media and social media, friends of mine and Jo's and people who stayed to help - sorting, lifting, shifting, directing, helping, just so many of you - you were all amazing, thank you all so much!
Volunteers and the centre... Pompey in the Community and the NCS volunteers - hats off to you all and a massive massive thank you, for the venue, for the help, for the everything!
Everyone who donated from all across Hampshire - you're all simply amazing! Getting your companies and work places involved, acting as drop off hubs, collecting items from others who couldn't make it on the day. Thank you so much, so humbling to see everyone wanting to help, wanting to give, wanting to share, pulling together, real community spirit, thank you all - we certainly couldn't do this without you guys.
The 25 charities who collected and benefitted from the donations today - a long list of hostels, services, schemes, groups, charities, soup kitchens, churches, all of you! You are the special people who make such a difference to people, running your services and delivering the goods directly to those in need. The work you guys do is just amazing, and truly appreciated.
And a special mention, of course, to a lady who doesn't like too much recognition, Jo. None of this
could happen without you. You are a force to be reckoned with, an energy like no other. I may help you to organise, I may tell you everything will be fine and be your partner in crime, but seriously - you're one special lady! Big love and enjoy that wine!
We may have finished our event for this year, but please do consider donating to your local shelter/hostel/service all year round, I'm sure they'll be happy to take items from you; or if you're able to - give directly to someone you meet. Stop, say hello, ask how someone is and share a smile if nothing else.
Here's a few pics from the day, in reverse order for some reason! Portsmouth, once again - quite simply - You Rock! #itsnicetobenice
Same time next year, yeah?! xx
