• Swindon & Wiltshire Community champions
• Thursday December 8 2022
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Metro Bank branches in Swindon, Newbury and Bristol appeal for donations for most in need this Christmas

Branches of Metro Bank in Swindon, Newbury and Bristol are collecting for charities local to them in the run-up to Christmas.

Metro Bank in Swindon is collecting food donations in store to help support The Harbour Project as part of its Christmas Community Campaign to spread the warmth this winter.

The Harbour Project aims to be a family for every individual who seeks asylum or is granted refugee status in Swindon, and to help them to rebuild their lives.

Swindon residents and businesses can donate some of the items the charity urgently needs including tea bags, coffee, biscuits, tinned tomatoes, cooking oil, basmati rice, cereal as well as shampoo, conditioner and deodorant, shower gel, toothbrush and toothpaste, washing up liquid and washing powder at its Regent Street store.

“As a community bank we want to really help those most in need this Christmas and spread the warmth this winter,” explains Swindon Metro Bank local director, Joe McGowan.

“We would encourage everyone to give a little this Christmas – even one tin can make a difference. I want to thank everyone in advance for their generous support.”

Meanwhile in Newbury, staff are collecting children’s toys and book donations to help support Sebastian’s Action Trust as part of its Christmas Community Campaign.

Sebastian’s Action Trust provides emotional, social and practical care for life-limited and life-threatened children and their families.

The charity offers family respite care at its flagship facility, The Bluebells, together with outreach and specialist support at its Woodlands centre, which is aimed at reducing isolation, providing meaningful support and building resilience to help our beneficiaries face the uncertainties of the future.

Newbury residents and businesses can donate any age children’s toys, books and games – either brand new or preloved at the Northbrook store.

“As a community bank we want to really help make Christmas extra special for the children and families being supported by Sebastian’s Action Trust,” explains Newbury Metro Bank local director, Ashley Keen.

“We would encourage everyone to give a little extra this Christmas – preloved books and complete games and toys in good condition would be just as great as anything new and I want to thank everyone in advance for their generous support.”

And in Bristol, Metro Bank is collecting on behalf of The Nelson Trust as part of its Christmas Community Campaign to spread the warmth this winter.

The Nelson Trust is a charity that believes change is possible and supports women who may have experienced domestic abuse, drug and alcohol abuse or prison.

Bristol residents and businesses can donate hot chocolate, chocolate and sweets together with more practical items like fluffy socks, 2023 diary and pen and unopened make-up, skincare, bath and shower products at the Broadmead store.

“As a community bank we want to help make Christmas extra special this year,” explains Bristol Metro Bank manager Steve Gilchrist.

“We would encourage everyone to give a little this Christmas to help put a little magic back by supporting this fantastic local charity. I want to thank everyone in advance for their generous support.”