Cardiff-based Orchard Media and Events Group are overwhelmed with the public response to their #DonateDifferently Huggard appeal for toiletries for the homeless of Cardiff.
Over 3,000 toiletry items were brought in to a collection point in the busy St. David’s shopping centre in the city last weekend after Orchard launched an appeal on behalf of the local Huggard homeless charity. The idea started with Huggard’s requirement for small containers that could be easily carried by rough sleepers, with a bid for people to bring all those toiletries they had gathered from their hotel holidays over the summer.
https://twitter.com/thinkorchard/status/1053720345625137152
Orchard pushed out the message via social media, not asking the public to donate money, but to bring in any hygienic toiletries they may be hoarding at the back of their cupboards, and the smaller the better.
Huggard Chief Executive Richard Edwards said:
“We’re really grateful that Orchard are helping raise awareness of our work in and around the city centre. It’s important that people know that it’s not only volunteer time and cash donations that help people- it’s also the little things that we all take for granted – toiletries being a key one. Even if it’s one bar of soap, it makes a difference to someone so we’re so grateful for everyone who donated.”
Capital FM Breakfast Show presenter Polly James added a touch of stardust to proceedings as campaign ambassador. Polly was at the collection point on Saturday, and said:
“It’s heartwarming to see the public respond in this way. Homelessness is a massive issue in Cardiff, and this was a great way to deliver something rough sleepers need, so well done Orchard and the people of Cardiff, and keep helping Huggard’s great work in any way you can.”
https://twitter.com/PollyJames/status/1053562780790464512
Orchard Media and Events Group started working with Huggard two years ago after relocating to Trade Street in Cardiff city centre and experiencing the homeless problem first hand, where the issue was quite literally on their doorstep. The team have worked with the charity ever since to raise awareness of Cardiff’s homelessness, helping them build their new website for example, and this is their latest collaboration to help those who need it the most.
You can still #DonateDifferently by bringing your toiletries to one of two places, the Huggard Café on Dumballs Road, or Orchard Media and Events Group HQ on Trade Street in Cardiff.
