A colleague and I recently had the pleasure of working with the wonderful people at St Anne’s Church in Hoxton to produce a short charity film. It was produced with Taylor James to help highlight the work and projects of St Anne’s, and to encourage donations and boost volunteering during the winter months. Like all parish churches, they are heavily involved in their community and provide many services for the local area and the people within. But it was their soup kitchen, drop in cafe and winter night shelter that brought them to our attention. As anyone who lives or works in or around Hoxton will know, the issues of homelessness and food poverty are sadly very real.
It’s no secret that both homelessness and food poverty are on the rise in the UK, and it’s during the winter months that people are particularly vulnerable. The work of organisations like St Anne’s Church is invaluable in caring for the vulnerable and, most importantly, providing a safe space. St Anne’s is always in need of monetary donations, as well as food, volunteers and clothing. So if you live or work nearby, and are able, please drop by and give what you can. You’ll find all of the information you need on their website here.
But wherever you live, there will be a night shelter, soup kitchen or food bank desperately in need of help. Times are tough and money can be particularly tight around Christmas but, if you are able, anything you give will be greatly appreciated. You may even meet some very pleasant and inspiring people on the way.
I would like to say a huge thank you to Father Christopher, and all of the coordinators and volunteers at St Anne’s for giving their time for this project. I’d also like to thank my producer, Sara Alam, for all of her hard work.
Merry Christmas everyone.