Homelessness charity St Martin-in-the Fields has been handed a £500,000 donation by philanthropists Julia and Hans Rausing as part of BBC Radio 4’s Christmas Appeal.
This is a record one off donation in the 96-year history of the radio station’s appeal.
The money from the philanthropists’ Trust will be used to provide emergency financial support for people facing homelessness. This is being handed out through the charity’s Vicar’s Relief Fund, which offer urgent grants to people at risk of losing their home.
‘We are extremely grateful for the generosity of Julia and Hans Rausing. Their
gift will make an enormous difference to many, many people,” said St Martin’s Charity director Tim Bissett.
“At a time when we are all deeply concerned about the cost-of-living crisis, these
grants could be a real lifeline.
“We know that, with the help of our Vicar’s Relief Fund, many lives have been turned around: evictions prevented and new homes secured. It gives me real hope to think how far this generous sum will go.”
We are delighted to announce that we received a £500,000 donation from @JHRTrust as part of our Christmas Appeal.
— St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity (@SMITFCharity) December 16, 2022
This is the largest one-off donation in the 96-year history of the Appeal, and we are extremely grateful for their generosity!
Full story: https://t.co/BsptnnbCJf pic.twitter.com/6o0GLkSDkf
Julia and Hans Rausing added: “Thousands of people are facing homelessness this winter with rising energy and food bills leaving many people with impossible decisions to make.
“St Martin-in-the-Fields provides support to both prevent homelessness in the UK and to find
accommodation for those in need. We are pleased to support this worthy charity
once more.”
Last month Julia and Hans Rausing announced details of a £10m pledge by their Trust to support food banks. This includes a newly created Food Bank Fund.
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