Bridging the gap

 

October 2009

Coventry-based communications agency The Bridge Group has raised more than £600 to support Homeless International's World Habitat Week fundraising campaign.

 

Run by Homeless International, World Habitat Week exists to help raise awareness of the living conditions of the billion people across the globe that lack adequate shelter. Throughout the week, which was launched on World Habitat Day (Monday October 5), supporters have been encouraged to ‘do slumthing’ to raise money to help homeless people.

 

After selecting Homeless International as its charity of the year, The Bridge Group has since donated more than £4,000 in kind to support the charity’s work. Staff have also raised an additional £600 throughout World Habitat Week by donating an hour of their pay and running a prize draw for a free piece of artwork or photoshoot.

 

Nicola Winn, managing director, said: “We specialise in working with charities, housing associations, councils and the public sector, and from this know the importance of good quality affordable accommodation.

 

“One in six people in the world live in a slum and many live on as little as £1.80 a day. These statistics really put the work Homeless International does into perspective and we’re really proud to support such a worthwhile cause.

 

“Thanks to everyone who has supported us so far and please keep your donations coming in.” It’s not too late to support the fundraising - people can donate quickly and securely online at www.justgiving.com/ doslumthingcreative

 

The competition ran until
the end of October.

 

For more information, please contact Val Hunt at The Bridge Group on 02476 560440, or email v.hunt@bridge-group.co.uk

 

Homeless International is a Coventry-based charity that supports slum dwellers in eleven countries throughout Africa and Asia.

 

Homeless International was founded by the UK housing sector during the ‘International Year of Shelter for the Homeless’ in 1987. It works in long-term partnerships with local organisations in Africa and Asia to address the problems faced by slum dwellers.

 

One billion people in the world (one in six) live in slums and this figure is estimated to reach 1.4 billion by 2020 (UN-Habitat). The United Nations characterises slums by one or more of the following: poor access to water; lack of sanitation facilities; insufficient living areas (more than three people sharing a room); poor structural quality and durability of housing; lack of secure tenure.

 

Monday 5th October is the United Nations’ ‘World Habitat Day’ - an international day recognised globally for drawing attention to the problems faced by slum dwellers. This year Homeless International has designated 5th - 9th October ‘World Habitat Week’.

 

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