Houlton’s festivities fund food parcels for Rugby food bank
Rugby’s growing community, Houlton, has donated much-needed food parcels to Rugby Food Bank thanks to its festive fundraising efforts.
Vital funds and essential items were collected throughout December for the initiative, as part of the neighbourhood’s annual Community Living Advent Calendar, which saw a stunning seasonal window display revealed each evening on the run up to the big day.
Organised by Houlton resident, April Gold, a member of the local parish of St Gabriel’s, the Community Advent Calendar invited families to pick up a festive trail map and follow the light displays around Houlton, which included residents’ homes, the Visitor’s Centre, the vicarage and St Gabriel’s CofE Primary School.
Residents donated the funds and items that would have been used to provide refreshments for guests each evening, while additional donations were generously collected within the community. Houlton’s master developer, Urban&Civic, also donated £300 to the charity.
Now in its third consecutive year, this Christmas residents chose to use the occasion to raise vital funds for Rugby Food Bank in partnership with the local parish of St Gabriel’s Houlton.
The invaluable charity, which is led by nationwide organisation The Trussell Trust, provides extra support and emergency help for local people in poverty.
Galina Bardarska, from Urban&Civic said: “After an extremely challenging 2020, we are delighted to start the New Year by making this fantastic donation to Rugby Food Bank.
“Christmas is a time for giving, and with more people than ever relying on food banks for extra support, we hope that the funds raised will help to make a real difference to those families in Rugby who need it most.
“We’re incredibly proud of the strong sense of community at Houlton, and in particular how our residents came together throughout 2020. We look forward to working closely with our residents and partners in the wider area to continue to provide support to those who need it throughout 2021,” she added.
April Gold, organiser of the Community Living Advent Calendar, said: “Despite the restrictions imposed by the pandemic, residents rose to the challenge of making Houlton special this Christmas. As well as beautiful windows we had an abundance of Christmas lights and music and narration, as residents unveiling their windows on Facebook for the wider community to enjoy.”
Later this year, the community will welcome its secondary school, Houlton School, as well as a Co-operative store and The Old Station nursery.
