Over the summer holidays we were thrilled to be joined by so many volunteers, who together packed an incredible 10,000 hot drink packs and prepared over 8,000 packs of our directory literature.

Preparation for our Warm in Winter gift bags starts earlier and earlier every year, as the demand for our gift bags increases and our reach widens. Last year we packed a record 11,000 Warm in Winter gift bags, each filled with essential items to help heat the person, including a hot drink and information pack. Without these items ready, our packing production ceases.

This year, we held two ‘family fun’ packing days during August and they were an overwhelming success. The warehouse, after being empty for so long, was finally filled with smiling faces, lively conversation and a real buzz as we welcomed families, friends, individuals, corporate volunteers and community police officers. 

The packing sessions were fun filled and embracing the warm weather, ice cream and cold drinks were flowing.

Our CEO Lynne Misner was really touched by such a positive response to our request for help during the holidays. “Seeing our volunteers giving their time to help is always heartwarming but the way everyone worked together was amazing.  It was extremely uplifting witnessing such kindness from people, old and young, local businesses and members of the Police working alongside each other.”

Our aim is to reduce loneliness and isolation by connecting communities with kindness, and this could be seen at our two summer sessions, with so many different members of our community coming together for a common cause. 

If this looked like a lot of fun, then why not join us to help pack over the next few months. For more information and to book your place, please visit our Volunteer packing days page. We look forward to welcoming you.