Business tenants at Marshall’s Mill and the Round Foundry Media Centre in Holbeck presented staff from Leeds Women’s Aid with hundreds of presents for children staying in the refuge over Christmas.
This is the third year that the collection has been organised by Front of House, Receptionist and Events Co-ordinator at Marshall’s Mill, Lisa Riley.
“The tenants have been fantastic again and very generous” she said. “It’s interesting how many people who work here have friends or family members who have had to use Leeds Women’s Aid services.”
One of the workers from Women’s Aid explained how important the donations were:
“This means everything. The women and children at the refuge have left their homes, they often have financial problems, they have no contact with friends and families, so to get these lovely presents makes the difference between having a Christmas, or having no Christmas.
“For some children these will be the best presents they’ve ever had, particularly if their father has been controlling or vindictive.
“We asked Lisa to collect presents for teenagers because they often get overlooked in our general appeal. Teenage children can be particularly fragile having broken links with friends, cut off social media ties and lost their bedroom. If they have a bad experience at Christmas and feel excluded, they can put pressure on mum to return to an abusive relationship.
“Leeds Women’s Aid is very grateful for the generosity of the businesses in Holbeck. It means a lot to our families that they know there is someone out there who cares about them.”
Lisa added:
“On Christmas Day I think about the children at the refuge opening their presents. It’s good to know I’ve helped improve the day for someone in very difficult circumstances.”
You can donate money to Leeds Women’s Aid via their website at: www.leedswomensaid.co.uk
If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship you can call their 24 hour helpline on (0113) 246 0401.
