Kind-hearted students are appealing for help from Sheffield’s business community to help homeless people in the city this Christmas.
Young people taking part in a traineeship course run by PET-Xi Training at its Skills Hub in Carver Street, Sheffield, are working on a community outreach project as part of the programme.
Training and education specialists PET-Xi Training run 12-week courses which focus on helping young people to gain an apprenticeship or job through one-to-one support, information, advice and guidance along with work preparation training dedicated to CV writing and interview tips and a minimum of 100 hours on work placement.
The learners’ Christmas community challenge has focused on obtaining donations of essential items from local businesses and the wider community to provide support and assistance for the homeless in a positive way over the festive period.
The students have set a target of filling 20 shoe boxes before Christmas Day with vital supplies to help homeless people in the colder weather such as hats, scarves and socks as well as toiletries and non-perishable food.
They have also collected leaflets from organisations in Sheffield which offer support services to the homeless so they are aware of further support available from the community.
PET-Xi Training is working alongside The Sheffield Jesus Centre in Broomspring Lane where a small party is to be held on Friday, December 14, to hand over 20 filled and decorated shoe boxes to homeless people.
Dillian Simpson, Lead Vocational Tutor at PET-Xi Training, said he had been impressed with the students’ thoughtfulness and hard work in making their ideas a reality.
He said: “The learners discussed running a soup kitchen and raising money via sponsorship for charities.
“But after the recent death of homeless man Graham Green minutes away from our centre, they suggested a gift box campaign because they all agreed this would provide the most benefit for those in dire and desperate need living on the streets in Sheffield this Christmas.
“Our plan is to donate 20 shoe boxes filled with items which will provide the most benefit – along with a PET-Xi Training Christmas card!
“We have received several donations from members of the local community but not enough to fill 20 boxes, so we are urging businesses throughout Sheffield to help complete our project by donating essential items to make it a slightly easier festive period for those living on the city’s streets.
“Our students have designed two separate flyers after receiving a donation from the PET-Xi Foundation for the cost of the materials which they have distributed to local businesses in the hope of securing further donations.
“As part of our link-up with The Sheffield Jesus Centre, they are going to provide a safe space and staffing to present the shoe boxes to homeless people in their main hall along with refreshments for our learners and members of the homeless community.”
Any businesses who are able to help should please contact Dillian at dsimpson@pet-xi.co.uk