Leeds Women’s Aid Launches Fundraising Campaign and Marks Shop Anniversary

Efforts to sustain online support coincide with 10 years of Horsforth store

Leeds Women’s Aid has announced its participation in the Big Give Women and Girls Campaign this October to raise funds for its online chat support service. The campaign runs from Wednesday 8th October to Wednesday 15th October, during which every donation made through the Big Give portal will be doubled.

Online chat service provides discreet support

The online chat service was launched five years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic in response to increased demand for support when victim-survivors were unable to access help outside their homes. Since its inception, the service has received more than 1,600 contacts.

The service offers a safe and discreet way for women and girls across Leeds to access advice, safety planning, and signposting to emergency accommodation when necessary. It is staffed by Domestic Violence and Abuse Support Workers. Many service users have reported that making phone calls is unsafe due to the risk of being overheard, making the online chat a vital resource.

Fundraising goals and campaign details

Leeds Women’s Aid aims to raise £10,000 during the campaign week, which would fund approximately 500 hours of support through the online chat service. The running cost is estimated at £20 per hour.

• Campaign dates: 8th to 15th October 2024
• Donations can be made via debit/credit card or Apple/Google Pay
• All donations made through the Big Give portal during this period will be doubled

Donations can be made through the Big Give campaign page: https://donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05WS000005IwU5YAK

10-year anniversary of Horsforth charity shop

In addition to the fundraising campaign, Leeds Women’s Aid is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of its charity shop located on New Road Side, Horsforth. The shop opened in October 2015 and has been supported by over 50 volunteers contributing around 72 hours per week.

Since opening, the shop has sold more than 60,000 items, including almost 800 via its eBay store. It has also diverted over 228,000 kilograms of clothing from landfill. The shop is supported by nearly 3,000 Gift Aid donors.

To mark the anniversary, a series of community events will take place at the shop from 6th to 26th October, including prize giveaways, outfit challenges, children’s craft sessions, tea and coffee mornings, and a raffle. Window displays will highlight the shop’s journey over the past decade.

Local support and recognition

Katie White OBE MP, Member of Parliament for Leeds North West and Leeds Women’s Aid Ambassador, commented on the milestone:

“I’m so thrilled to see our Leeds Women’s Aid shop in Horsforth going from strength to strength as it celebrates this significant milestone. It’s a wonderful shop, lovingly curated, full of treasure, and always worth a visit when I’m passing. Beyond raising awareness and vital funds for Leeds Women’s Aid, it also plays an important role in keeping our high streets thriving. I congratulate the staff and volunteers for their outstanding service, and I urge the wider community to support their great work and keep shopping local.”

Leeds Women’s Aid continues to provide essential services for victim-survivors of domestic violence and abuse in the Leeds area through both its online support and community fundraising efforts.

Source: Doing Good Leeds