A leading homelessness charity in Southend is aiming to raise £45,000 in just seven days as part of a Christmas campaign.
Harp has launched a fundraising drive as part of the National Christmas Big Give Challenge 2025, running from 12pm on December 2 to 12pm on December 9.
The charity is aiming to raise £45,000 in a week, with all donations doubled at no extra cost to supporters.
The Big Give Christmas Challenge is the UK's largest collaborative fundraising campaign.
It brings together philanthropists, foundations, and businesses to match public donations for participating charities.
This year’s appeal comes as homelessness across Essex reaches critical levels, with more than 8,800 people currently in temporary accommodation, sofa surfing, or sleeping rough.
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As temperatures plummet, Harp is experiencing exceptionally high demand for its support.
Generous anonymous donors have pledged to match every contribution made to Harp during the campaign week, effectively doubling each donation's impact.
Agata Elliott, director of fundraising and communications at Harp, said: "The Big Give offers a fantastic opportunity to maximise the impact of our fundraising efforts.
"We are incredibly grateful to the generous local donors who have agreed to match donations next week.
"It’s heartening to see local and national communities coming together to support charities like Harp, especially at such a critical time of year.
"Put simply, for donors it means that if they donate money for one Christmas dinner, it buys two."
The funds raised through the Big Give will help with the ongoing running costs of the Bradbury Day Centre in Southend.
The centre provides essential services such as food, warmth, clothing, and showers to people sleeping rough.
Each person seeking help at the centre is also assigned a dedicated support worker to assist them in moving into stable housing.
Harp is urging residents, businesses, and community groups to contribute what they can during the campaign week, providing hope and practical support to people in crisis this winter.
Donations made between 12pm on December 2 and 12pm on December 9 will be doubled and can be made via the Big Give Christmas Challenge platform.
Visit harpsouthend.org.uk/double to double your donation next week.
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