Christmas Appeal Breaks the Million Mark

The The BBC Radio 4 St Martin-in-the-Fields Christmas Appeal has raised over £1 million for the first time in its eighty four year history. This landmark figure was reached at midday on Tuesday 4 January 2011, when the total raised stood at £1,000,047.

Commenting on Tuesday, the vicar of St Martin-in-the-Fields, Revd Nicholas Holtam said: “The response to this year’s Appeal has been absolutely overwhelming. On behalf of the thousands of people who ask for our help every year, I would like to thank everyone whose generosity at a time of economic difficulty has made this Appeal a record breaker.” “The more donations we receive, the more people we are able to help. We continue to raise money throughout the year, so there is still time to donate if you haven’t already done so. “The Appeal has been building in strength every year, and we reach this milestone thanks to the hard work that has gone in over its eighty four year history. We are especially grateful to BBC Radio 4 for their wonderful partnership.” Colin Glover, Chief Executive of The Connection at St Martin’s, which will receive half of the money raised in the Appeal, commented: “Spending cuts are hitting us hard and at the same time we’re seeing an increase in the number of people being made homeless and who need our services more than ever. The money raised during this year’s Appeal will be an enormous help to us during these difficult times.” The photographs by homeless people from The Connection at St Martin’s photography workshop has played a big part in this year’s Appeal. Ben Richardson, who runs the group comments: “The photography group has been an amazing opportunity for clients to speak directly to a big audience about their individual experiences of homelessness. The success of the Appeal has encouraged our clients to start thinking of new ways of producing digital communication with other homeless people, supporters and policy makers. Watch this space!” ENDS Note to editors • People can donate to the Appeal by visiting www.smitf.org/christmas, calling 0800 082 82 84 or by cheque to: St Martin-in-the-Fields Christmas Appeal, Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 4JJ. Cheques should be made payable to “St Martin-in-the-Fields Christmas Appeal”. • Please find attached a photo of 1) Revd Nicholas Holtam and volunteer Lavinia Anson sorting donations to the Appeal and 2) A photograph from The Connection at St Martin’s photography workshop. • To view the photos by homeless people from The Connection at St Martin’s photography group visit: www.flickr.com/photos/homelessphotography • Money from the BBC Radio 4 St Martin-in-the-Fields Christmas Appeal is split 50/50 between the Vicar’s Relief Fund, which makes small one-off grants to people in emergency situations and The Connection at St Martin’s, a centre for homeless people in Westminster. www.connection-at-stmartins.org.uk • This year’s Appeal was launched by the vicar of St Martin-in-the-Fields, Revd Nicholas Holtam, on BBC Radio 4 on 5 December 2010. • The previous record for the Appeal was £860,000, raised in the 2009 Appeal. For more information, please contact Craig Norman on craig.norman@smitf.org or 020 7766 1125.

Tags: