But I didn't see a lot of that around. I saw too many people stressing about what naff gifts to buy each other and fretting about stuff that is unimportant. We have really lost the meaning of Christmas, so I did something in 2009 that was so simple and anyone can do and it will make a real diffence to peoples lives. I went to my local YMCA charity shop and explained that I wanted to get a rucksack and put in it a sleeping bag, a fleece, a hat, gloves, socks, underwear, a flask that I filled with hot soup, a spoon, some tins of food (with ring pulls) and anything else I could fit in it...
They were amazing and they gave me two full sets for just £6 because they appreciated what I wanted to do. £4 for soup in Tesco filled both flasks with soup and an extra tin. A lovely lady who happened to be in the shop overheard us and asked me to pick-out some extra clothes to put in.. They charged her just £5 for 4 fleece tops... Buy these items in various charity shops supports not only the homeless people receiving them, but also the great many charities out there raising funds for so many different causes. I added some extra food from my cupboard then took them into Bristol where I gave them to 'Steve' and his friends who were sleeping rough. Words cant express how grateful they were and that is the best damn present I could have given anyone for Christmas. So, I made this an annual thing... And I would like to encourage you to do the same... Just to help one person. Take the price labels off everything as they told me the Police will accuse them of stealing the stuff otherwise. I'd suggest not giving cash for all the reasons we know - give that to your local homeless shelter instead - believe me, they need it! If just 100 people in every city would take part in The Rucksack Project, we could make life that much more bearable through the freezing nights and, who knows? Maybe even save a life. Anyone can do this... The Rucksack Project is not about one person trying to do a lot.. it's about many people each just doing a little. So please join us and give something really worth giving this year...
Thanks everyone! Mathew White. X
http://www.facebook.com/mathew.white.1044
Anyone wanting to get in touch or media outlets who can help publicise this, please contact me at:
[email protected]
LEGAL NOTICES
1. NON-CHARITABLE STATUS
• The Rucksack Project is NOT a registered charity and does not accept monetary donations of any kind. It is a movement - an idea and The Project is simply a way to spread the message of that idea to as many people as possible in the hope that other individuals like myself will make their own direct donation to a homeless person.
2. DONATIONS
• Volunteers wishing to accept monetary donations to help the homeless should enlist the help of a local charity such as www.emmaus.org.uk to collect any funds to help that charity directly and not accept them on behalf of The Rucksack Project.
3. SETTING UP LOCAL EVENTS
• Events set-up by supporters are the sole responsibility of their hosts. We urge you to consider the safety of those in attendance by only organising events during daylight hours and in safe public locations. The Rucksack Project and its founder cannot be held responsible for any issues or incidents arising from local events and supporters and volunteers undertake any actions described in this project entirely at their own risk.
• DO NOT under any circumstances go out handing out packs after dark, either on your own or in groups! This is a totally unnecessary risk to you and others who may accompany you.
• PLEASE DO NOT SET-UP SPLINTER GROUP FAN PAGES. I'm thrilled when someone wants to get involved in The Rucksack Project, but setting-up splinter group fan pages only has the effect of diluting the over-all project and leaves me concerned at how it may be represented in a seemingly official capacity. If you wish to set-up a local event PLEASE download and follow the guide available here: www.rucksackproject.org/rucksackproject_guide.zip. Please respect this as you will be politely asked to close any unofficial pages.
• Please be aware that ANY other Facebook fan page bearing the name The Rucksack Project is not sanctioned by me, it's founder and any advice they give, unless shared directly from my own posts here, does not come from myself of The Rucksack Project.
• Always consult your local Police authority of events you set-up to ensure they do not breach any local laws or regulations.
