A contactless donation scheme in Leicester has raised a remarkable £48,800 to help homeless people in the city.
BID Leicester’s project ‘GIVE Leicester’ aims to help tackle the problem of rough sleeping in the city centre, by encouraging people to tap their cash cards at a network of donation points in order to make an automatic £3 donation to help vulnerable people.
All donations over the next year will be given to registered charity Help the Homeless Leicester, which provides services to help homeless people to get off the streets.
It is hoped that a new push in donations this winter will provide vital help for people experiencing homelessness.
So far the scheme in Leicester has raised a remarkable £48,800 to help homeless people - the equivalent of 19,520 hot meals at The Bridge Homelessness to Hope, one of the charities which has received GIVE Leicester donations over the last three years.
Over the last two years of receiving GIVE Leicester donations, The Bridge Homelessness to Home has helped over 120 people off the streets and into accommodation and has registered 250 people to receive medical services.
The GIVE Leicester initiative - a collaboration between BID Leicester and Leicester City Council in partnership with Leicester Homelessness Charter - has not only made donating simpler but also more secure.
All funds are directed to local charities, ensuring that every pound donated goes directly to those in need.
To date, GIVE Leicester has supported organizations like One Roof UK and The Bridge Homelessness to Hope, and now, it proudly introduces Help the Homeless Leicester as its latest partner charity.
Help The Homeless Leicester provides relief and assistance to those facing homelessness or rough sleeping in Leicester and the surrounding areas.
The organisation's approach includes giving of material aid, signposting to services, housing and employment support, emergency accommodations, and ongoing assistance for individuals after securing housing.
The charity also aims to boost self-esteem, empower individuals, and encourages independent living through trusted relationships.
BID Leicester is a business-led, not-for-profit organisation founded in 2018 with a commitment to enhance Leicester city centre. Its work to create a safer and more attractive Leicester city centre has involved numerous initiatives, including supporting St John Ambulance at key dates throughout the year, enhancing street cleaning services, and transforming vacant shop units into art installations.
"The success of GIVE Leicester is a testament to the power of collective action and the generosity of our community," said Simon Jenner, Director of BID Leicester.
"The impact achieved through this initiative goes far beyond the numbers – it reflects the positive transformation of lives. We are committed to making Leicester a safer, more attractive city for everyone who calls it home.
“Every small donation of £3 adds to up make huge change to the lives of real people. These figures represent more than just donations; they symbolise the lives touched, the hope given, and the progress made in the fight against homelessness in Leicester.”
Leicester deputy city mayor for housing and neighbourhoods, Cllr Elly Cutkelvin, added: “We know that lots of people who come into the city want to do their bit to tackle the problem of homelessness, and it is testament to their generosity that the GIVE Leicester initiative has raised nearly £50,000 over the last three years.
“This winter, donations made via GIVE Leicester will be supporting Help the Homeless Leicester – a charity with which the city council works closely.
“Charities provide an invaluable level of help and support that complements the accommodation we offer at the Dawn Centre and wider services we provide and I would like to thank everyone who supports this work each time they donate £3 via the GIVE Leicester scheme."
For more information about Give Leicester and how to make a difference, visit the Give Leicester website here: Welcome to Give Leicester - Give Leicester