Bristol is Beautiful - Keep Bristol Warm event attended by thousands
Posted on: 12 Dec 2016On Sunday 11th December 2016, The Bearpit in central Bristol was fit to burst with charitable donations, volunteers, well-wishers and - most importantly - those in need. A communal show of love and solidarity thanks to the continued work of the incredible Keep Bristol Warm team.
An unseasonably pleasant day greeted Gavyn Emery and the rest of the Keep Bristol Warm team as they set up at The Bearpit – the sunken social hub masquerading as a subway in the centre of Bristol. For more than a year this initiative has seen “people helping people”. This social movement, rather than a charity, simply asks that people help people if and how they can. And this could be no more evident than what Bristol bore witness to on Sunday 11th December 2016...
From 3-6pm (officially, but just try asking the volunteers what time they left) The Bearpit was beset with outpourings of generosity from the people of Bristol. Not simply people handing over an old jumper, these people had heard about the great work #KBW do and took it upon themselves to purchase brand new sleeping bags, coats, rucksacks, shoes...you name it. Not for any reason other than to help someone they don’t and will likely never know. A beautiful gesture, especially at this time of year.
Feed The Homeless also joined in to help and shared centre stage on the day. A group of volunteers from all walks of life, individually driven from different faiths and beliefs, who have come together to support and feed the homeless people in Bristol. At Present they are giving our home cooked meals every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, serving between 100 to 150 meals per evening. On this day they not only helped with hot drinks and food, but also shared the massive task of sorting through the mountains of clothing and supplied donated by well wishers.
Once he managed to find the time, Gavyn Emery - Founder of Keep Bristol Warm - spoke to us:
“Wow what a day that was. Bristol you are incredible. A huge thank you to every single person who has helped Keep Bristol Warm this year and this winter. Without you guys this wouldn't be possible.
"If you work for a shelter, church or an organisation that helps our streets and need warm clothes to push out then please contact us. We have so much surplus warm clothing to donate to help keep Bristol warm this winter. It's amazing to know that we are aware, we care and most importantly we want to Keep Bristol Warm.
"Pending Coffee has also launched in 15 coffee shops look out for our Pending poster and buy an additional hot drink for someone to collect for free. Myself and the team are truly grateful to everyone. Have a wonderful Christmas and I'm sure I'll see you all soon."
The surplus donations will now be handed over to other superb Bristol organisations like Julian Trust, Spring Of Hope, One25, Crisis Centre Ministry, Logos House and many more.
As Bristol residents first and foremost, the whole of the 365Bristol would like to extend their most heartfelt thanks to Gavyn and the team for all that they do. It’s a truly beautiful thing and one we’re proud to have played a very small part in. Long may it continue.
Keep Bristol Warm - a community initiative providing solidarity and relief donations to Bristol's street sleepers and night shelters. Keep up to date with their amazing work via Facebook, Twitter and by using the hashtag #KBW
Article by:
Born and raised in the suburbs of Swansea, Jimmy moved to Bristol back in 2004 to attend university. Passionate about live music, sport, science and nature, he can usually be found walking his cocker spaniel Baxter at any number of green spots around the city. Call James on 078 9999 3534 or email Editor@365Bristol.com.
