AN anonymous donor has dug deep into their pockets to ensure that a Christmas campaign to raise £150,000 for homelessness in Oxford reached its target.
The fund, established by Oxford Homeless Movement and supported by Oxfordshire Community Foundation, was launched on December 1 and ran until January 6.
When the fund, backed by the Oxford Mail, closed, it was several thousand pounds short of the target.
Now an individual donor has made up the difference.
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A spokeswoman for Oxford Homeless Movement said: “Last week we announced that we were just short of our target of £150,000 and guess what?
“A generous donor stepped forward and made up the shortfall so that we’ve made it!
“Once again, a massive thank you to everyone, including the Oxford Mail, who has supported us and helped us to reach our target.
“Well done to everyone in the community and particular thanks to the Oxfordshire Community Foundation for sourcing the matched funding.
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“We have almost doubled the amount raised last year, which will help us to help those who are vulnerable and live on the street.
“These donations will allow the charities, who work with the homeless daily, to be able to continue to offer support and also develop new initiatives.”
One of the organisations benefitting from the donations is homeless charity The Gatehouse
Project Director Katrina Horne said: “The Gatehouse is delighted to work in partnership with Oxford Homeless Movement, as more joined-up working can only lead to better outcomes for people experiencing homelessness in Oxfordshire.
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"We will be using the funds received from this campaign to continue the One to One Project Worker support that is delivered to our guests at The Gatehouse and to develop further new initiatives such as a women’s only space.”
A new shelter for rough sleepers in Floyds Row off St Aldate’s is also receiving some of the donations.
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Jane Cranston, chairwoman of Oxford Homeless Movement, said: “I’m thrilled we’ve reached our target – huge thanks to everyone who has contributed.”
Visit oxfordhomelessmovement.org.uk.
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