Here at Emmaus Lambeth and Surrey we always have a very busy December, between our solidarity activities, numerous ongoing projects and taking care of our community.

At the beginning of December, we contacted local organisations who work with the homeless and marginalised, to ask what help or support they needed in regard to Christmas, whether it was in terms of food or financial support.

We managed to compile a shortlist that we could assist, and we provided food items and toiletries up to a value of £150 each for Spires, Norwood & Brixton Foodbank, Purley Food Hub, Croydon Refugee Day Centre and Salvation Army Croydon. We provided specific items that they requested, so it was tailored to their needs. Most of the deliveries were ordered via supermarket websites (click and collect service), and we were able to fulfil the deliveries in plenty of time before Christmas.

We have also made a financial donation towards Street Storage, who are moving into a larger storage warehouse in Hackney in January. This will go directly towards making the space welcoming for their street storage community of street rough sleepers.

All of the charities were really appreciative and grateful for what they received. In difficult times like this, it is important for us at Emmaus to continue with our strong solidarity ethos, a key feature of what our founder Abbe Pierre believed in.

Click on the name of the organisations below to visit their website to find out more about each of them.

We would like to wish everyone a better and safe 2021. We look forward to welcoming you back to our shops when the restrictions are lifted.