'In these uncertain days charities are needed more than ever' - Harborough district woman calls for support for one of the UK’s oldest charities with Christmas just weeks away

A Harborough district woman is striving to ramp up support for one of the UK’s oldest charities with Christmas just weeks away.

Mary Guppy, 77, of South Kilworth, is calling on people across the district to snap up raffle tickets to support the Queen Mother’s Clothing Guild – which was set up in 1882.

The historic organisation backs refuges for women and children escaping domestic violence, homeless shelters and outreach units, hostels supporting ex-servicemen and women and specialist hospital neonatal units.

The 138-year-old charity also gets behind hospices providing respite and end of life care for children and adults and those working to support the elderly and frail.

“I have been involved with this brilliant charity for many years.

“In these uncertain days charities are needed more than ever.

“The majority of us are lucky.

“We have a garden, a warm house and good food.

“But, sadly, many people do not.

“Covid-19 has tragically seen an increase in domestic violence and homelessness as well mental health issues,” said Mary.

“Please support us once again this Christmas in helping those people far less fortunate than ourselves.

“And as well as doing your best for others, you might well win a turkey or another of our many excellent prizes.”

You can win a £150 Fortnum and Mason hamper/voucher, a free range turkey donated by Fosse Meadow and two Freddie’s Flowers arrangements delivered to your door.

The Queen Mother’s Clothing Guild donated over 35,000 items of clothing and bedding to 64 charities in England and Scotland last year.

“Every year the charity holds a raffle which is drawn at View Day at St James’s Palace.

“It is a vital source of fundraising for the Guild.

“In response to the current pandemic we are holding our raffle online this year.

“Please support the important work we do by buying some tickets and joining in our Christmas Drinks online.

“Buy and sell as many as you can – just £5 for a book of 5 tickets – your numbers will be emailed to you on receipt of payment,” said Mary.

“The raffle will be drawn on Tuesday December 1 at our Virtual Christmas Drinks Party where our chairman of Trustees and CEO will give us a round-up of the Guild’s activities in 2020.

“A link to the Zoom Party will be emailed to those who have purchased raffle tickets.

“Any winners not able to attend the event will be emailed with details of their prize by Thursday December 3 and all prizes posted out.

“To get your tickets and join in the fun please email Vicky Spendlove at [email protected] with the number of books you would like to buy and confirmation that you have paid.

“Please get behind us after an especially challenging year which has hit charities such as ours so hard,” said Mary.