Two acts of Christmas Solidarity
Residents and staff at Emmaus have worked hard this Christmas to share seasonal goodwill with their neighbours, particularly those who may be isolated or in need. Emmaus Communities support their wider community in many different ways, from donating hard earned cash from their business enterprises to helping out at other charities.
This Christmas, two Emmaus Communities are making a special effort to show that Companions, as the formerly homeless people who live in Emmaus are known, have a valuable role to play in the lives of others.
Emmaus UK President Terry Waite joined Companions at Mossley, who were donating hats, gloves and socks to street homeless people who use two local drop-in centres, assisted by a contribution of £500 in vouchers from the local Tesco store.
Bruce Mercer who has been the driving force behind the project says;
“We have had so much help here at the Community that we want to give something to the people who are struggling as we once were. I was homeless before I came here. So I know what it feels like. Emmaus is an organisation that believes in empowering people to help themselves and others”.
At Emmaus Bristol Companions stepped in when the closure of a family Club in the district meant that pensioners were left without a Christmas dinner. They approached local shops and businesses for donations of food and gifts and hosted lunch for 18 pensioners at the Community. Mike Poole Community Assistant at Emmaus Bristol says;
Many of our residents know first hand what it’s like to spend Christmas alone so we were keen to share some of the warmth and companionship of our Community.”
Terry Waite also visited Emmaus Village Carlton near Bedford, where he joined Companions, staff and customers at their Community carol service in the Bistro, on Saturday 22 December. Following the carol service, the Emmaus UK President accompanied several Companions, staff and trustees to the Prebend Day Centre in Bedford, where a cheque was presented from EVC as an act of solidarity, to help pay for a new security gate to the centre.
Published on 17th December, 2007
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