The Wallich's Winter Campaign Raises £56k, Aiding Over 4,000 Facing Homelessness
Thanks to the overwhelming generosity and compassion of supporters nationwide, The Wallich has successfully supported 4,014 individuals experiencing homelessness this winter. Launched on World Homelessness Day in October 2025, the campaign urged communities to serve as a turning point for people in crisis, and the response was nothing short of remarkable.
Campaign Impact and Fundraising Success
The appeal raised an impressive total of £56,270, which is already being utilized to fund critical services such as emergency grants, outreach programs, and safe housing solutions. This financial support is actively helping people transition from instability into secure, stable homes. Between October and January, frontline teams provided practical, life-changing assistance to 2,593 individuals at crucial moments.
How Donations Are Making a Tangible Difference
The funds raised are directly impacting lives in several key areas:
- Emergency Grants: Assisting people across Wales in tackling debt, replacing broken household items, and covering costs for essential identification documents.
- Finding Work: Providing necessary resources to help individuals secure employment and ensure they can put food on the table.
- Festive Support: Ensuring that more than 2,000 people received a Christmas gift and a hot festive meal during the holiday season.
- Children's Essentials: Supplying clothing and other necessities for children living in vulnerable housing situations.
Community Fundraising Efforts Across Wales
Communities throughout Wales demonstrated incredible creativity in their fundraising initiatives, from bake sales to singing pub crawls. Notably, over 63 percent of the donors were brand new supporters of The Wallich, highlighting the campaign's broad reach. Specific examples include:
- Bridgend: St Mary’s RC Primary School and Archbishop School collected food and clothing, while Trinity Church donated over £160 along with much-needed toiletries.
- Cardiff: The Canton Singers raised over £130 during a pub crawl in Pontcanna, and Cardiff University’s SPARK centre generated over £314 through a bake sale.
- Holyhead: Bragdy Cybi micro-brewery raised over £200 during their Baubles and Bubbles night event.
- Marshfield: The local Women’s Institute organized a bake sale and raffle, raising a fantastic £753.
Corporate Support and Additional Contributions
The campaign was bolstered by a powerful network of corporate supporters who significantly amplified its impact. The Kirby Group made an incredible £10,000 donation, while Scottish Power and British Gas contributed a combined £8,000. Creative contributions also played a vital role, with the Cardiff Devils donating 40 cuddly toys and Dunraven Windows providing 12 essentials rucksacks complete with hoodies and sleeping bags for those sleeping rough in Bridgend.
Additionally, this year’s winter raffle was a huge success, selling 1,124 tickets and raising £2,248. Prizes included luxury hampers, hotel stays, and tickets to see comedian Josh Widdicombe, with many items generously donated by organizations such as Savills, Azets UK, and Darwin Gray.
Reflections from The Wallich and Ongoing Needs
Louisa Turner, head of fundraising at The Wallich, expressed profound gratitude: We have been blown away by the generosity of our supporters. Whether through monetary donations or gifts of food and clothing, the kindness shown has already strengthened the support we provide during the coldest months of the year.
While the winter campaign has concluded, the need for assistance persists year-round. The Wallich operates 365 days a year to help individuals leave homelessness behind and build a stable future. Supporters can stay involved in several ways:
- Set up a regular donation: Provide steady, ongoing support throughout the year.
- Join Team Wallich: Sign up for a challenge or participate in local fundraising events.
- Volunteer: Dedicate your time to support people in your local community.
- Spread awareness: Learn more about local services to help those in need effectively.
