1st November update: The total raised is a running total of the year so far (through various things such as hampers etc) and at the time of writing this on 1st November, we're just below half way towards our target for the end of the year!

So I will be walking up the 13 floors of the Blade every weekday in November and hoping you can sponsor me, no matter how small :-) it will all help towards a great cause.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

At Pure Offices here in Reading, our chosen charity is New Beginnings Reading - this is a homeless charity based in Reading, UK. We will be running various activities such as Hamper raffles throughout the year to help raise money for them.

Their aims are the prevention and relief of poverty and financial hardship of persons in Reading and the Greater Berkshire area who are in need due to social or economic reasons, regardless of their religion or belief. This includes (but is not limited to) providing clothing, food, essential items, sign-posting to other support services and assistance with independent living. The charity promotes social inclusion for the public benefit by preventing people in Reading from becoming socially excluded and relieving the needs of those people who are socially excluded and assisting them to integrate into society.

They have transformed the Queens Arms pub in Great Knollys Street, which is now used for a number of services, which include the community fridge for distributing free food for those who need it and the All Day Café, a place that everyone is welcome for a cup of tea and a friendly chat.

No referral required, no proof required, their doors are open to anyone) with the following:

- Food (including fresh fruit and veg from Costco and Waitrose for example)

- They cook hot meals a few times a week with donated food

- They provide showers and toiletries to those who need access to this, perhaps having recently been made homeless etc

- They even have a washing machine to wash people’s clothes if they need (although it broke the other day and they reached on Facebook to see if they can find a another one)

- They run a café a few days a week (all completely free), from 11am to 3pm serving up hot drinks and nibbles and create a space where people can gather and just socialise or get a warm cuppa

Having visited the manager Richard, it was amazing to see what he and the team do and vital the work they do is.

Thanks so much for any donation, no matter how small, it will make a difference to someone.