Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE

Issued by: Reading Chronicle Newspaper

Date: 02 Feburary 2009

Contact: Chris Ashworth, 07720899114

Email: Chris.Ashworth@Xansa.com

Reading and Caversham Rotaract collect food items for the Salvation Army

Karen Coggs, manager of the Salvation Army's Willow House, and Caversham and Reading Rotaract treasurer Chris Ashworth with the donated blankets

WARM-hearted shoppers helped fight the bitter chill by donating 550 items of food to the homeless.WARM-hearted shoppers helped fight the bitter chill by donating 550 items of food to the homeless.

The Caversham and Reading Rotaract organised the collection of outside Sainsbury's in Friar Street in December, ready for the cold weather, and followed it up with a donation of 16 blankets just before the cold snap.

The Rotaract club - a non-profit social and fundraising organisation for people aged 18-30 affiliated to Rotary International - arranged to donate the goods to the Salvation Army's Willow House hostel in Willow Street, Reading. Rotaract branch president Cheryl Jordan said: "I was overwhelmed by the generosity of shoppers at Sainsbury's on Friar Street during our December event. It really was a great success and when the Salvation Army mentioned the additional need for blankets the club was very eager to help address this issue. The Salvation Army has done great work over many years for the homeless and it was lovely to be able to make a small contribution to their fabulous work."

Willow House manager Karen Coggs said: "The Salvation Army would like to express its gratitude for the continued support and the generous donation of blankets and food which have been used to provide some comfort for the homeless people in Reading."

Anyone interested in joining the Caversham and Reading Rotaract can visit www.rotaract.org.uk/caversham or call 07967444684.