Shoeboxes of food and toys have been delivered to the Salvation Army in Cambridgeshire after a festive celebration held by Vistry Group, Britain’s biggest housebuilder, in Littleport near Ely.
The shoebox collection and meet the neighbours event was held on Saturday 7 December in the sales centre at Linden Homes @ Quantum Fields, with those attending also enjoying hot drinks and mince pies provided by the housebuilder. Linden Homes is one of Vistry’s housebuilding brands.
The festive event was the idea of Colin Marshall and Elouise Brazier, who are both sales consultants at the development.
They asked residents to gift wrap then fill shoe boxes with either foodstuffs – such as biscuits, cereal and tins of meat, fish and fruit – or gifts appropriate for children aged between three and 16 years old, such as teddy bears, stationery and toiletries.
The boxes of food donations were taken to the Salvation Army’s Wisbech branch while the boxes of toys were delivered to the charity’s Chatteris branch. The Salvation Army offers practical help and support to people in need, regardless of their background.
Elouise said: “When I was younger and in primary school, we supported charities at Christmas through a shoe box appeal and it has really stuck with me. I chatted to Colin about asking people to bring in gift-wrapped shoe boxes and he thought it was a great idea. We handed out leaflets on the development and the response from the residents was heartening. It was lovely to bring neighbours together to have a natter and to help a charity.”
Nic Chapman, sales and marketing director at Vistry East Anglia, who donated a children’s bike and bike helmet to the appeal, praised the initiative shown by Elouise and Colin.
She said: “When they approached us about organising a festive get-together which would also help a charity in the area we were fully behind it. It was their idea – they brought it to fruition and everyone who attended the festive event had a great time.
“Christmas is a time of giving and it was wonderful to hear that lots of residents brought along shoe boxes which will be handed out to people who are less fortunate than many of us. Colleagues at our Peterborough head office have also brought in gifts.
“It is great to know that these donations will help spread some happiness and will bring smiles to the faces of people over the festive season.”
Linden Homes @ Quantum Fields is part of a wider development which is set to deliver 680 homes, a new community centre, and green open space with a children’s play area. Vistry is also building homes at Bovis Homes @ Quantum Fields.
